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Welcome to the first installation of our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! Located just south of Walled Lake, this inaugural installation zeroes in on the finer details of Novi Lakeshore Park's multi-use trail and what makes the trail an all-season Detroit region staple. INTRODUCING TRAIL TUESDAY You've heard of "Taco Tuesday." Maybe even "Trivia Tuesday." Possibly even "Turnt Tuesday" for those willing to burn a productive Wednesday morning. Well, friends, family, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts: today we're christening a brand new alliterative rendition of Tuesdays. The first iteration of a year-long series dedicated to taking a deep dive into the 52 most popular trails in the Detroit region , as ranked by AllTrails. A consistent output of content geared not only towards establishing Expedition Detroit as the comprehensive gateway to our area's best outdoor experiences, but with providing our community with trail maps, statistics, knowledge, ideas, and first-hand tips on enjoying Detroit's favorite trails. On a high-level, each #TrailTuesday article will provide you with a brief snapshot of any and all information that we believe will enhance your appreciation of and experience on the trail. Those snapshots will include brief overview of the trail's surrounding destination, route statistics, and our typical flowery description of the trail. We will also throw in a few bonus activity insights for those with larger recreational appetites ( we're dubbing these insights the "Weekend Bonus Tips" ). Without further ado, we formally welcome you to #TrailTuesday. We're glad that you've joined us on this journey, and we invite you to hit this virtual trail with us each week as we explore the best of the best of the Detroit region's vast trail network! MEET NOVI LAKESHORE PARK The crown jewel of Novi's outdoor ecosystem, Lakeshore Park constitutes the City of Novi's largest park and principal gateway to recreational adventures for the greater Novi community. The origins of the park date back to 1922, when the Dodge Brothers Company donated 25.82 acres of land along the southern bank of Walled Lake to the State of Michigan for use as a public park. The newly-created state park was dubbed " Dodge Brothers Park Number 2 ," which the State operated until its transfer to Novi in 1947. Fast forward to 2023, Lakeshore Park continues to foster year-round recreation opportunities like a swimming beach on Walled Lake in the summer months, well-maintained mountain biking and natural hiking trails, and a popular destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Lakeshore Park provides key habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna, thereby establishing the park as the best wildlife viewing destination within the City of Novi. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 2.9 miles Elevation Gain : 104 feet Trail Rating : Easy Route Orientation : Loop Parking Specifics : Free parking at north trailhead, accessible from S Lake Drive Lakeshore Park's "Multi-Use" trail launches from the same trailhead as Lakeshore Park's famous mountain biking loops, although you will quickly notice the deviation point where bikers will verge right and you'll keep hiking straight. Fortunately, the "Multi-Trail" remains prominently wider than the MTB loops throughout its duration, so hikers, runners, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers should not have any doubt regarding whether they have verged onto a biking trail. The only potential hiccups on the trail might result from route navigation: the trail features plenty of signs, but the lack of numbered posts may create some confusion regarding route orientation. We advise frequently checking the map included above, but when in doubt, turn right ( we'll note where that general advice does NOT apply shortly ). The trail starts with a very easy 0.4 mile incline towards its first intersection in front of a patch of pine trees. Keep right to venture slightly uphill towards a zone of the park that we're naming "The Hardwoods." Enjoy the long-reaching views through Lakeshore's mature forest - including the occasional mountain biker ripping down the "Expert Loop" - as you start your decline towards the Walled Lake Branch stream. Take your time along the well-maintained boardwalk as you cross the stream; beyond wildlife viewing opportunities, the messages engraved into the boardwalk are pretty entertaining to read. Once you complete the boardwalk, KEEP LEFT and follow the first trail that you encounter back over a less-maintained boardwalk. You will have now returned to the main trail through The Hardwoods, doubling back until you reach the 1.1 mile mark. Reverting back to the general "Keep Right" rule, you will venture into one of the most beautiful areas of Lakeshore Park. After a brief descent towards low-lying marshes, you will very gradually climb over the next 0.7 miles through mature pine and oak forests, occasionally broken up by fields, trails, and eventually the park's famous MTB "Pump Track." Hopefully you will be treated to some riders taking on the Pump Track's obstacles, but note that your route continues TO THE LEFT OF THE BACKSIDE of the Pump Track area. This branch of the route is not marked at all, which we discovered by adding about a quarter of a mile to our hike... The last mile of the hike - especially during these foliage-free months - is the "Panorama Segment" of the trail. Gazing through the treeline, you will be treated to long, panoramic vistas of Mud Pond, including fleeting glimpses of the behemoth Walled Lake in the distance. These views will oscillate as you hike parallel to marshes, thickets of pine trees, and other varying terrain, although the bright blue waters of Mud Pond will be a constant companion off to your right as you complete the final stretches of your hike back to the parking lot. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS I would earn the rightful scorn of Detroit's mountain biking community for not recommending the elephant in the article: the vast majority of visitors to Lakeshore Park do NOT visit to hike, run, snowshoe, or cross-country ski, but to bike the park's famous MTB trail network . The Motor City Mountain Biking Association maintains the 10.5 miles of singletrack trails, which range from beginner-friendly terrain to technical features like rock gardens, log piles, skinnies, and a pump track. We previously featured Lakeshore Park as one of the Detroit region's five best mountain biking trails , so we highly recommend that you couple your hike with a ride for the full experience. Broadening the scope a bit, another beautiful aspect of Lakeshore Park is its enviable central location to the lion's share of outdoor experiences located in the northwest corridor of the Detroit region. Maybury State Park in Northville - another local mecca for hiking, running, and mountain biking ventures - is a mere 8.5 miles southwest of Lakeshore Park, or an 8.2 mile cycle via the ITC Corridor Trail . Proud Lake State Recreation Area's vast trail network, including ample paddling access to the Huron River, is just 9.1 miles northwest of the park. When you add in near-immediate access to the natural trails of Wixom Habitat and Lyon Oaks County Park , it shouldn't take much convincing to argue that Lakeshore Park provides an idyllic launching point for a full day's worth of outdoor adventures. We implore you to put that theory to the test. The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the Detroit region's sole "Top 50" trail that's south of the border - yes, Canada is south of Detroit - in Ontario's Point Pelee National Park. Join us as we venture to the southernmost point of mainland Canada! "The National parks are the best idea we ever had . . . they reflect us at our best rather than our worst." American novelist, environmentalist, and historian Wallace Stegner penned these famous words in 1983, 111 years after President Ulysses S. Grant established the world's first national park in the world: Yellowstone National Park . Since Yellowstone's opening, the elusive number of national parks within the United States has grown to only 63, the most recent of which being West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park on December 27, 2020. Canada has an even more exclusive list of just 38 national parks, with its first ( Banff National Park ) established in 1885 and its most recent ( Qausuittuq National Park ) established in 2015. The scarcity of national parks on both sides of the border reflect the prestige surrounding such federal designations. National parks represent far more than just public outdoor recreational destinations: national parks are revered as the gate-keepers for " national treasures ," the great protectors of North America's most naturally stunning, awe-inspiring, historically significant, and adventure-filled sanctuaries. On the American side of the Detroit region, there are unfortunately no readily-accessible national parks (although River Raisin National Battlefield Park is maintained by the National Park Service). Our three closest parks are Cuyahoga Valley , Indiana Dunes , and New River Gorge. Even Isle Royale - the only national park located in Michigan - is the 10th closest U.S. national park to the Detroit region. Ouch . Fortunately for us on the American side of the border, the Canadian equivalent of the U.S. National Park Service - Parks Canada - has our recreational needs covered. On the far eastern rim of the Detroit region lies Point Pelee National Park , Canada's second-smallest national park situated at the southernmost point of the country's mainland. Your mother probably told you not to judge a book by its cover. Well, don't judge a park by its square miles (sorry - square kilometers ) - this "best idea" overdelivers on outdoor recreation opportunities for its size, including one of our "Top 50" #TrailTuesday routes! Timelapse of a cloudy sunrise at the Point Pelee Tip, December 21, 2022 MEET POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK While the Canadian government formally established Point Pelee as a national park on May 29, 1918, humanity's relationship with the area dates back to over 6,000 years . Native peoples, French explorers, the British military, fisherman, farmers, hunters, loggers, naturalists, and modern visitors have explored, settled, and impacted the uniquely shaped, situated, and ecologically-significant 15km strip of land now known as Point Pelee. Despite its small size, the environmental significance of Point Pelee could not be overstated. Canadian visitors especially will immediately recognize several unique attributes of the park: as the most southern location in mainland Canada, Point Pelee experiences one of the warmest climates in the country, receives the lowest amount of precipitation in the province of Ontario, and contains a rich blend of marsh, beach, cedar, savannah and forest habitats. About two thirds of the park is marsh, which is home to cattails, lilies, and other species including the rare swamp rose-mallow. Point Pelee is especially noteworthy within the Detroit region for two specific groups of outdoor enthusiasts: bird watchers and dark sky chasers . Point Pelee is recognized as one of Canada's best inland locations to observe seasonal bird migrations, including the park's more than 390 species of birds that annually visit the Point Pelee Birding Area . In 2006, the Windsor Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated Point Pelee as a “ Dark Sky Preserve .'' We recently recognized Point Pelee as the #1 destination in the Detroit region for stargazing opportunities, and the park regularly hosts " Dark Sky Night " events for visitors during optimal stargazing periods. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 0.7 miles Elevation Gain : 3 feet Trail Rating : (Very) Easy Route Orientation : Loop Parking Specifics : Seasonal admission fees apply to enter park; parking available at trailhead . Ladies and gentlemen, we have good and bad news: the Marsh Boardwalk trail is hands-down the easiest out of the "Top 50" most popular trails included within our #TrailTuesday series . If you are just starting off your outdoor fitness journey, then we could not more fully endorse this trail for you. The trail begins right at the parking lot, just to the right of the impressive observation tower. You will tackle a whopping 3 feet of elevation gain - the occasional planked steps and gentle rises scattered throughout the trail. Wetland wildlife sightings will be plentiful, including bald eyes around dawn and dusk. Your dog is welcome to join in as well (please keep them on leash - the below photo resulted from a combination of years of call-and-response training and clever photography angles to hide Lucy's leash...). On the other end of the adventure spectrum, if you are looking for hardcore mileage or heart-thumping inclines, well... this isn't the trail for you. Or at least not alone; Point Pelee has over 12 km (~7.5 miles) of trails criss-crossing the distinct wetland, lakeshore, and mature forest biomes that define the park. The trail comprises of one continuous 0.7 mile loop through the great marshlands of the northern section of the National Park. The entire trail consists of a well-maintained board that guides hikers and bird watchers through an otherwise inaccessible natural environment. Although diminished in comparison to the trailhead observation tower, the boardwalk also provides hikers with sweeping panoramic views of the great marshland and adjacent waterways throughout the trek. Wildlife viewings differ based on the season and time of visitation, but be on the lookout for bald eagles, owls, white-tail deer, coyotes, mink, weasel, flying squirrel, raccoons, turtles, non-venomous snakes, frogs, and hundreds of migrant songbirds . WEEKEND BONUS TIPS If you have but one major takeaway from this article, please let this be it: do not short your Point Pelee experience by ONLY visiting the Marsh Boardwalk Trail. The main benefit of Point Pelee's size is that visitors can truly accomplish a weekend's worth of recreational escapades within a matter of hours. We recommend starting at the end: parking your vehicle near "The Tip" - the famous, dramatic southernmost beach and shoreline of the park that hauntingly disappears into the vast expanse of Lake Erie. While you can park right at The Tip's parking lot, we advise adding an element of adventure and hiking down via the West Beach Footpath trail . PLEASE heed the rip tide warning signs that flank the trail heading to The Tip. Swimming or wading at The Tip is NOT PERMITTED and very dangerous due to strong currents. Entering Lake Erie at The Tip can earn you a fine of up to $10,000 - trust us, that money can and should be spent pursuing other adventures. For the aquatically-inclined , visitors are permitted to explore the park's extensive marshlands via kayak or canoe. Most Pelee explorers opt to stay on dry land, traversing the park's natural and paved trails via hiking boot or bike peddle . Cycling is absolutely the most efficient - and possibly enjoyable - means of seeing the entirety of the park with a limited amount of time. For hikers, note that the park also has over-night camping options available for extended trekking expeditions. To summarize, don't rush Point Pelee - our region's sole national park is jam-packed with year-round adventures for every genre of outdoor enthusiast. We'll see you at the Point . The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

The ice has melted. The birds are returning. The sun - knock on wood - is actually shining again. Kayak season has returned to Detroit, along with endless opportunities to extend your aquatic expeditions via Canoe Camping . Imagine your perfect day on the water . The heat of the sun. The gentle breeze at your back. The serenity of nature's silence, broken only by the lapping waves, rustle of leaves, calling birds - and maybe that one guy playing music from a waterproof speaker around the bend. As perfect as perfect gets paddling down the Detroit region's waterways . There's only one downside to such bliss: it ends . Even the longest, most brilliant summer days eventually arrive at a sunset, thus signaling the end of that day's paddling expedition for most kayakers . A sad fate that we all must submit to... or do we ? Spoiler alert : the terminus of your paddling voyage does not have to align with the setting sun. We at Expedition Detroit are proud to formally welcome Spring to our platform with an #ExpeditionEssentials crash course on " Canoe Camping " - the backpacking equivalent of overnight paddling adventures - covering the essential gear and destinations that you'll need for launching your next voyage. Canoe Camping Gear Congratulations, you nailed it : you are going to need a canoe for canoe camping - more likely a kayak. You probably also guessed that you will need a personal flotation device ("PFD"). And oars. Oars are very important. What may be less intuitive, however, are questions concerning the hair-splitting nuances between the variety of possible gear selections. What are the key differences between hard shell and inflatable kayaks? How about proper layering for shoulder season temperatures? Which water-proof bags are best for carrying a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping necessities? How about head lamps or gear that's required by law? That, our dear friends, is where this section comes in handy. We've dug into the tough questions to save you a few hours of research, possibly save a few bucks, and get you in the water in no time. Choice of Vessel If you've spent anytime around the Huron, Clinton, or Rouge Rivers over the last few years, chances are that you've witnessed a cold war between three primary camps of paddling enthusiasts: hard shell kayakers, inflatable kayakers, and old school canoeists. Each of these modes of maritime transportation have their pros and cons - especially when it comes to selection for canoe camping. Here's a quick breakdown of these three options: Canoe If you are planning packing a lot of gear - we're talking multiple days hunting in the backcountry amount of gear - then your vessel search should end with purchasing with a canoe . Following in the footsteps of both our Native American and European predecessors, the open-air design of a canoe facilitates immense storage capacity , as well as a more stable frame than kayaks. The hulls of canoes also comprise of the durable materials , such as three layer polyethylene, that paddlers would expect to safely navigate through shallow terrain. The three principal cons of a canoe when compared to a kayak are maneuverability, weight, and cost . Even with sleeker canoes like the Sportsman Discovery Solo 119 shown above, the slimmer frame of a kayak permits paddlers to navigate through narrow or obstacle-ridden stretches that could delay canoes. The additional 10-20 pounds of weight that distinguish separate lightweight canoes from much lighter kayaks also inhibit the navigational prowess of a canoe. Last, canoes are undoubtedly more expensive than their kayak cousins. For example, the price difference between the featured canoe and inflatable kayak in this article is over $1,000. Kayak (Hard Shell) Hard shell kayaks are hands-down the crowd favorite for maritime navigation throughout the Great Lakes region - for several good reasons. First, the lighter weight and slimmer frame when compared to canoes offer more advanced maneuverability in less hospitable waters. The coverage of the shell also better protects a paddler from undesired water exposure and cold temperatures. Last, the extra compartments typically featured on kayaks like the Old Town Dirigo 106 Kayak remedy some of the lost storage capacity inherent to the hard shell cover. While a hard shell kayak may appear to check almost every box for a paddler, there are some key drawbacks to note. Especially with regard to extended canoe camping, the lost storage capacity due to the encompassing shell may rule the vessel out entirely for longer, gear-intensive trips. Getting in and out of hard shell kayaks can prove to be more of a challenge when compared to open canoe or inflatable kayak models as well. Similar to canoes, hard shell kayaks also lack the transportability and significant price discount that inflatable kayaks offer to their owners. Kayak (Inflatable) The chief benefit of an inflatable kayak is and will always be its transportability. There was a period where I simply stored my inflatable kayak in the cab of my pickup truck, ready to be deployed whenever the paddling inspiration hit. Inflatable kayaks also tend to be less expensive and have higher weight thresholds than canoes and hardshell kayaks. The main drawbacks of inflatable kayaks are their less dependable durability and inflation requirement . With regard to durability, the quality of the synthetic rubber and plastic polymers that inflatable kayaks are made from has improved over recent years, although these qualities simply do not compare to the wood, plastic, fiberglass, and composite materials of canoes and hard shell kayaks ( pro tip : always carry some form of adhesive to plug any minor punctures). I personally enjoy the inflation process of an inflatable kayak for the upper body workout, but for anyone who doesn't derive the same joy from "type 2 fun," you will learn to dread this aspect of inflatable kayak ownership. Layered Clothing Let's start with the basics : you should always dress in layers, especially for the cooler-to-freezing temperatures that fluctuate in the Detroit region during early spring. Especially when kayaking around sunrise or sunset, bring along extra layer to pull on/off when the temperature inevitably starts to heat up or cool off. Here's a refresher on layering : Base Layer ("underwear layer") : Arguably most important layer; goal is to wick sweat off your skin. Could be a swimsuit for warmer weather paddling. Middle Layer ("insulating layer") : Should retain body heat to protect you from the cold. Outer Layer ("shell layer") : Largely weather-dependent; shields you from wind and rain and provides extra insulation. Could include a raincoat and waterproof rain pants for inclement weather. You should always dress for the water temperature you'll be paddling in, NOT the air temperature. For cold paddling conditions, opt to wear a drysuit over your base and mid layers. No need for an outer layer - your windproof, waterproof, and breathable drysuit takes care of that. Recommended Add-Ons You've probably heard the old adage that " Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. " Well, when it comes to searching "Recommended canoe camping gear" on Google, everyone appears to have an opinion, list, and strong arguments as to why certain gear should or shouldn't be included on your next expedition. We have waded through the never-ending rabbit holes of recommended lists to provide you with this synthesized punch list of gear (omitting specific items discussed elsewhere): Headlamp : Black Diamond's " Spot 400 " and Petzl's " Actik Core " headlamps are the two market-leaders, although BioLite's 750 lumen headlamp has also recently been making waves into the headlamp market. Dry Bags : Waterproof storage bags your camping gear, cell phone, portable batteries, maps and charts, matches or other fire-starting equipment, and anything else that you truly cannot afford to get wet. Sun Protection Gear : Sunscreen, lip balm, sun glasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Bailer or Bilge Pump : Bilge pumps are especially effective for pumping unwanted water out of your kayak. Sponges . "Boat Shoes" or Sandals and Dry "Camp Shoes." Camping Necessities : Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water treatment equipment and bottle, and portable stove and cookware. Energy Food . Knife or Multi-Tool . First Aid Supplies . Legal Requirements Let's settle the " lifejacket question " first: Michigan law requires paddlers to carry either a wearable PFD or a throwable PFD for each person on board a vessel. Ontario law is similar to Michigan law's requirement to carry a PFD per passenger, although only wearable PFDs are approved as lawful safety equipment. We strongly recommend wearing a PFD every time that you are on the water, which is required for all personal watercraft operators in Ohio . For nighttime paddling , the one universal requirement under Michigan law states that all u npowered vessels less than 26 feet long must have at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light at all times while in motion (such as a headlamp). The ideal illumination of this light would amount to visibility from at least three miles away, although that is not a legal requirement. While most of the Detroit region's inner waterways fall under Michigan state jurisdiction, the Great Lakes also represent international boundary waters and therefore fall under the U.S. Coast Guard's jurisdiction. As such, special regulations apply to nighttime paddling along any international waters like the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Lake Erie. These include carrying (1) a mounting a " kayak light " that is visible from 360-degrees and (2) visual/audio distress signal s . Interactive map of the Huron River National Water Trail The Destinations In case you haven't noticed, the Detroit region has water. Lots of water. Thousands of miles of Great Lakes coastline and inland lakes, rivers, and streams to explore, including 5 of Michigan's state-designated water trails, 3 national water trails, and the Detroit Heritage River Trail that constitutes the first and only water trail that has been designated for protection by the Canadian and U.S. Governments. Especially with Michigan's moniker as "The Great Lakes State," you would assume that the Detroit region has an excess supply of canoe campgrounds, right...? Wrong . To our team's surprise, the Huron River National Water Trail represents the sole thru-paddling opportunity within our area's vast waterways. Yes, that includes the portions of Ohio and Ontario that fall within the purview of the Detroit region. We will breakdown the best canoe camping destinations in a moment, but here's the silver lining to our current situation: canoe camping undoubtedly represents the single greatest recreational infrastructure opportunity within the Detroit region, on both sides of the border . Especially in light of the phenomenal work of recent years on developing the Clinton River Water Trail , Rouge River Water Trail , and Monroe County Water Trails , our recreational bodies have the firepower to construct and maintain world-class canoe campgrounds along our pristine waterways. Here are the Detroit region's top canoe camping destinations: 1. Huron River National Water Trail | Michigan Simply put, the Huron River National Water Trail ("HRNWT") is one of the crown jewels of the Detroit's greater outdoor ecosystem . Its 104-mile trail, spanning from Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Oakland County to Lake Erie Metropark in Monroe County, circumnavigates the western rim of our region's premiere outdoor destinations. Most importantly for our article, the HRNWT provides direct access to four canoe campgrounds : Kensington Metropark , Island Lake State Recreation Area, Hudson Mills Metropark , and Lower Huron Metropark . A fifth - and very much needed - campground is slated for Oakwoods Metropark. Reservations are required for all sites. 2. Point Pelee National Park and Pelee Island | Ontario As long-time readers of our content are now well-aware, if any "top destinations" list appears on our content, then Point Pelee National Park will surely make an appearance. Generations of recreationists have flocked to the park for its world-class hiking, cycling, bird watching, and star-gazing opportunities. Kayaking is another favorite past time of Point Pelee's patrons, especially when paired with an overnight stay at Camp Henry within the park. The Camp's " oTENTik" lodgings - a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent - are conveniently located directly across an access point to West Beach. Talk about a bucket list camping experience within our region's sole national park! 3. Algonac State Park | Michigan On the northeastern periphery of the Detroit region - just north of Lake St. Clair - lies Algonac State Park and its unprecedented Great Lakes kayaking opportunities . While the park is largely celebrated for its views of freighters from around the world (watch them right from your tent!), the park's 1,550-acres boasts a half-mile of riverfront, campgrounds , trails and a 1,200-plus-acre dedicated natural area. Algonac's " Riverfront Campground " is conveniently located just a short walk away from multiple launching points into the St. Clair River and its multiple routes within the Blueways of St. Clair water trail network . 4. Seven Lakes State Park | Michigan The "Seven Lakes " of Seven Lakes State Park may have morphed into one massive "Seven Lake " after its dam construction, but the park's legacy of pristine kayaking and camping opportunities has both endured and thrived . While the namesake "Seven Lake" provides an obvious draw for top-notch paddling experiences, the park's 230 acres of water also provide ample opportunities to explore Dickinson Lake, Spring Lake, and and Sand Lake. The park's campground at Sand Lake is especially popular with kayakers - hard to argue with direct beach access from the campground to the lake. Quick Safety Add-Ons Before signing off on this article, we wanted to close by sharing the following water safety best practices as prepared by the Clinton River Watershed Council . Regardless of whether your voyage consists of a few hours on the lake or a multi-day thru paddle of the Huron, paddling recreationists should always adhere to the following safety guidelines: ALWAYS PADDLE WITH PROPER EQUIPMENT . Life vests, helmets, a whistle, a first aid kit, and a phone are examples of standard equipment depending on the routes or conditions that you may paddle. BE AWARE OF THE STREAM FLOW . Check streamflow at the USGS gauge nearest to your intended trip. Visually check stream flow before you embark, and if the river is too fast for your comfort level, wait until it recedes. BE AWARE OF THE WATER TEMPERATURE . Cold water is extremely dangerous. Learn about protecting yourself from hypothermia before embarking on your trip. BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER . Conditions can change rapidly. Be aware of forecasts, and do not go out during thunderstorms or other adverse weather events. Stay alert to changing weather conditions. BE AWARE OF THE DAYLIGHT . Make sure you leave enough daylight to comfortably finish your trip. BRING A SPARE CHANGE OF CLOTHES IN A DRY BAG . You will likely get wet. Bring a spare change of clothes in a dry bag to avoid hypothermia. WEAR RIVER FOOTWEAR . Protect your feet from sharp river rocks—always wear footwear. KNOW HOW TO SWIM . Make sure you know how to swim before embarking on a river trip. KNOW HOW TO GET HELP . To get help, dial 911. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and can communicate your position to emergency responders. FOLLOW SAFETY SIGNS . Know how to recognize the safety signs throughout the Clinton River. The return of warmer weather means open season on several genres of outdoor exploration in the Detroit region: backpacking, mountain biking, and especially canoe camping . Overnight expeditions on our world-famous waterways provides not only a phenomenal means of exploring our region's greatest asset - our fresh water - for extended periods of recreational bliss, but also represents a relatively untapped avenue for experiencing our natural environmental. As shoulder season ends and Spring proper takes over, we can't wait to get back in the water. We can't wait to paddle up to new campgrounds, dock our vessels, and settle in by the campfire, swapping stores from the full day spent paddling and exploring our rivers and lakes. Most importantly, we can't to see you out there.

Hailing from the rugged hills of the Keweenaw Peninsula to the wetlands of Metro Detroit, Michigan's foremost outdoor organizations gathered this month in Traverse City for the 2024 Michigan Outdoor Summit ! Here are 4 key takeaways that will shape the future of Michigan's outdoor state. "Do you guys know how the glaciers were formed?" Brandan Freeman of " Shades of the Outdoors " posed this ice-breaker of a question ( pun intended ) to a tent full of leaders in Michigan's outdoor industry. We were sitting at the base of Hickory Hills Ski Resort in Traverse City, surrounded by hills formed by glaciers 10,000 years prior, so the question suited its environs. " One snowflake at a time, flake by flake, compounded and solidified over thousands of years. " No, this wasn't a geological TedTalk covering the glaciology of the Great Lakes region . Freeman, a professional consultant for diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI") in the outdoor recreation industry, was speaking on the past, present, and hopeful future of DEI in Michigan's outdoor economy. The glacier analogy artfully highlighted the transformative impact of small and consistent actions - a concept that has historically both decimated and progressed the establishment of inclusive and sustainable outdoor spaces. Much like the glaciers that carefully carved our great state, Michigan's evolving outdoor industry is also being shaped one critical "snowflake" at a time. In the post-Covid era, Michigan's outdoor recreation industry continues to snowball into a formidable $12.4 billion economic force, supporting 119,000 jobs, nearly 3% of Michigan's total workforce, and 2% of its total GDP. Participation rates in outdoor recreation are also continuing its 6-year upward trend, including a 4.1% increase since 2022. There's even more "snow" in the forecast for 2025. Scratch that - a lake-effect blizzard of recreational snow is truly headed our way, where the attention of the outdoor world will be fixated predominantly on us . With the transformative projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park coming to fruition - as well as near completion of the Iron Belle Trail, Border-to-Border Trail , and Joe Louis Greenway - Detroit is especially on the precipice of becoming the capital of the Great Trails State. This year's Outdoor Summit provided a calm before that storm. A brief moment to intentionally stop, collaborate, and listen to the trends, opportunities, and concerns of a rapidly developing industry. Purposeful alignment towards curating the new standard for a world-class outdoor ecosystem. Now that we've had ample time to process, this article synthesizes our most important takeaways from the Summit . Key themes that will undeniably impact the future of Michigan's outdoor economy for years, if not generations , to come. Four significant aspects of our industry that Expedition Detroit proudly endorses and will continue to support as integral to our mission. 1. CONFIRMED: MICHIGAN'S OUTDOORS ARE WORLD-CLASS At the 2023 Michigan Outdoor Summit, one of the major takeaways included the necessity of a culture shift within our state's existing outdoor cohorts. One where we transitioned away from the comparison game of "Great Lakes vs. Out West," which so often framed our local outdoors in an inherently negative light. A less-than posture where sentences started with " We don't have mountains, but... " Oh, the changes that a year can bring...! This year, Michigan has finally arrived on the international stage - on its own merit as a world - as a world-class outdoor destination . An adventure-seekers paradise without any comparisons because, well, there's no place on Earth like Michigan. Already in 2024, Outside Magazine has named Michigan one of the " 8 Most Adventurous States in America ," including the #1 state in the midwest region. Outside further named Michigan's lower peninsula - specifically highlighting Detroit's transformative trail system - as one of its " 23 Best Places to Travel in 2024 " for adventure travel. What factored into these accolades? Outside's "Wow Factors" that included 13.6 million acres of public land, 1 national park, 2 national lakeshores , 103 state parks, 5,292 miles of hiking trails, 9,345 miles of mountain-bike trails , 3,288 miles of pure Great Lakes coastline, 51,438 miles of rivers, and 43 ski areas - the second most in the U.S. So, what does this mean for our state's recreation industry? Much like our city and professional football team recently shedding decades' worth of poor headlines, we now have the brand recognition to forge our industry's future in a unique, purely Michigan manner. One in which our wild places and growing economy work in tandem to create transformative, inclusive, and attractive outdoor amenities. In other words, we're done playing catch-up - Michigan's outdoor recreation industry is finally in the driver's seat of its bright future. 2. THE EVOLVING FACES OF THE OUTDOOR STATE Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives - commonly referred to as "DEI" - have held a central pillar in the progression of the outdoor economy for several years now. Here in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources prominently stated within their " Five Year Strategic Plan " that the DNR will remain "committed to fostering and promoting an environment focused on equity and inclusion to expand and broaden the diversity of its visitors and workforce," including the implementation of improvements "to ensure the provision of acceptable service to all visitors, regardless of ability, ethnic background, and location." DEI initiatives are undeniably necessary for the growth and sustainability of the outdoor recreation industry. As Brandan Freeman's presentation painfully highlighted, discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and identity has left a deep stain on our outdoor culture. One requiring intentional action to alleviate and overcome towards creating an inclusive and vibrant industry. Fortunately, the faces constituting Michigan's outdoors are steadily creating more of a mosaic than a monolith. As we've noticed across the Expedition Detroit platform, women especially are increasingly forming the next "powerhouse demographic" of the outdoor recreation industry. With projections stating the 45% of women between the ages of 25 - 45 will be single, childless, and gainfully employed by 2030, this emergent consumer block is poised to have a transformative impact on an outdoor recreation industry historically dominated by men. This forecast means that necessary - and productive - industry steps must be implemented to accommodate and this new consumer base, including DEI initiatives intentionally geared towards creating a more inclusive and safer outdoor ecosystem. 3. UTILIZING OUR OUTDOORS FOR TALENT ATTRACTION The explosive growth of Michigan's outdoor recreation industry should be regarded as one of our state's greatest assets. One which, when wielded responsibly, can effectuate incredible change within a brief period of time. A power to protect vulnerable spaces, change livelihoods, and open doors for sustainable socioeconomic growth. One of the greatest opportunities for Michigan's outdoor industry corresponds with one of our state's greatest challenges, and a major theme at the Michigan Outdoor Summit: Michigan's declining population . By 2050, Michigan is projected to suffer a total decrease of 1.3% at best and 6.9% at worst . That's right - no population growth study currently projects Michigan experiencing a population increase , which will strain our social infrastructure, undercut economic growth, and leave precious public resources vulnerable to necessitated development. These projections have caught the attention of Lansing, with Governor Whitmer establishing the " Growing Michigan Together Council " to advise our state government on specific policies to grow Michigan’s population. The GMTC and other governmental organizations like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation are largely curating their policies towards attracting and retaining one specific demographic: young professionals. These marketing campaigns highlight the benefits of living and working in Michigan, including the state’s tech sector, affordability, progressive cultural policies, and - very prominently - its natural beauty . Why? Because studies consistently prove that Millennial and Gen Z workers flock to regions with abundant outdoor infrastructure amenities , drawn in by the allure of incorporating outdoor recreation, natural immersion, and exercise into their daily commutes and general work life. Here's some good news: Michigan's booming recreational ecosystem is perfectly-positioned to help alleviate this dire need . Detroit specifically is spear-heading a multi-tiered approach to connecting its entire community to accessible, world-class outdoor experiences  and destinations. Vacant lots are being converted into cutting-edge parks . Initiatives like the Joe Louis Greenway are creating hundreds of miles of safe, accessible, and stunningly beautiful corridors for recreation and transportation. The ever-expanding Detroit Riverfront Trail  continues to connect and draw Detroit's disparate neighborhoods to its pristine - and award-winning - riverwalk. As the cherry on top, the new Gordie Howe International Bridge  will directly connect all of these city-based destinations to Windsor's section of the Trans-Canada Trail. Several breakout sessions at the Michigan Outdoor Summit focused specifically on the need for industry-wide collaboration in creatively utilizing our outdoors for talent attraction. We whole-heartedly believe that the ROI from such meetings will include game-changing partnerships and transformative opportunities for highlighting and experiencing Michigan's jaw-dropping natural beauty. You can expect us at Expedition Detroit to be in the forefront of such innovative ventures... stay tuned, Michigan . 4. BALANCING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CONSERVATION Can too much of a good thing become a very, very bad thing? Absolutely . Especially when said "good thing" involves explosive growth within an emerging sector - leaving natural resources largely vulnerable to exploitation, contamination , and generational degradation. The Great Lakes region is no stranger to the disastrous consequences associated with unchecked development. Dating back to the late 1860s, rampant industrialization harnessing and diluting the beautiful power of Niagara Falls shocked the collective conscience of budding environmentalists. Frederick Law Olmsted - the renown landscape architect that designed New York's Central Park and our resident Belle Isle Park - helped found the "Free Niagara" movement alongside intellectuals like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Charles Darwin. The movement believed that the " natural beauty of the land surrounding Niagara Falls should be protected from commercial exploitations and remain free to the public. " The ecological disaster of Niagara served as a wake-up call to a nation on the verge of economic preeminence. A stark reminder of the largely irreversible consequences of allowing development to run rampant . And, serendipitously, the catalyst for enacting into law what became known as "America's Best Idea": the National Park Service . Looking ahead towards 2025, Michigan's outdoor community finds itself poised for momentous growth. The macroeconomic pieces are all falling into place, from cross-industry collaborations involving facilitative governmental action to small business dynamism partnering with effective grassroots advocacy. But, as history has painfully taught us, economic development must be coupled with purposeful environmental considerations. Especially for those of us with a vested interest in the sustainability of our outdoor ecosystem. Fortunately, Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy ("EGLE") is already tackling this issue before it rears its ugly head. EGLE's "Resource Protection" initiative aims to balance socioeconomic development with Increased protections for native habitats, native species, and natural geologic features. EGLE also monitors zoning ordinances to include sustainability requirements (e.g., wetland protection and greenspace requirements) and support the private purchasing of ecologically valuable habitats throughout the state. While we all want to see Michigan's outdoor industry continue to grow, our industry's leaders a re even more interested in seeing the natural state of our outdoors continue to thrive. We're happy to report on the summit's unanimous alignment regarding the importance of both economic AND environmental sustainability. In other words, we're continuing a legacy of building parks, trails, and clean waterways for our grandkids and great-grandkids to enjoy. Can't imagine a better ROI for our industry than that. While we wish you could've joined us at the Michigan Outdoor Summit, our sincere hope is that this article ignites the same fire within you that inspires our passion for Michigan's growing outdoor industry. Our state's best days on the trail are truly ahead of us, thanks largely to the cross-industry consumers and providers that reinforce our commitment to Michigan's thriving outdoor economy on a daily basis. We'd like to close out this article with a special thank you to Land of Outsiders , Heart of the Lakes , the Michigan Outdoor Industry Office , and the other sponsors of the Michigan Outdoor Summit. Simply put, you all crushed it with an engaging, collaborative, and inspiring conference. Well done. We can't wait see you all next year!

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition focuses on a highlight reel of Proud Lake State Recreation Area through an Expedition Detroit-designed route: the " Expedition Loop. " Join us as we proudly present this new Proud Lake loop that's quickly becoming a fan favorite! " Not too long. Not too short. Just a perfect 5K length. " Those were our marching orders when planning the July 2024 meetup for " Women in Milford ," the preeminent organization for supporting and women-led entrepreneurship and small business in the Milford, Michigan area . We quickly selected Proud Lake, with its relatively flat yet diverse terrain, as the perfect destination for a community-focused networking event. The park's close proximity to Milford also provided the ideal opportunity to showcase a local outdoor gem. We only had one logistical issue: our guided day trip offerings at Proud Lake we either too short or too long for the outing. Our " Proud Lake Marsh Loop " guided hike provides the perfect 1.25 mile nature loop for beginner hikers, and our " Proud Lake Grand Tour " day trip features 5.6 miles of the best hiking in the park. For the every day hiker, either of these tours would've sufficed. But this was a bespoke outing requiring a unique trail solution. Better yet, this was a perfect opportunity to flex one of our favorite Expedition Detroit muscles: outdoor experience innovation . " Alright, I've got this. Let's create a new route for you guys. " Utilizing AllTrails ' "Create Map" feature, I quickly plotted out a 5K (3.12 mile) route for the WiM outing. While this may sound impressive to some, this route was actually years in the making. In a past life, this served as my " Anti-Burnout Route " - a great escape from regular 18 hour workdays as a mergers & acquisitions attorney. Proud Lake was located exactly 1 mile from my home office at the time, so it provided my near daily refuge during that grueling phase of life. If only burnt-out me knew that those hours spent on Proud Lake's trails were for so much more than just keeping my sanity in check. That the resulting familiarity with Proud Lake's hidden gems would translate into curating a transformative trail experience for the Detroit region's outdoor community. That an expertise was developing through the agony of endless billable hours. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the genesis of this #TrailTuesday feature: the Proud Lake "Expedition Loop." Born out of desperation for an outdoor escape. Charted for maximum recreational enjoyment. It's our pleasure to premiere the Expedition Loop here, starting with a spotlight on Proud Lake State Recreation Area. MEET PROUD LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA Those of you who have been following our content for 2 years - AKA the greatest people alive - should know that the Expedition Detroit team does not shy away from our infatuation with Proud Lake State Recreation Area . The park is named after the Proud family that originally farmed the land surrounding the Huron River during the 19th century. The Proud family then transferred ownership of the property to the Montclair Hunt Club in the 1920s, which erected a club house and cabins on the property. Members of the club also reportedly planted thousands of red pines on the property, many of which still stand today. The Michigan Department of Conservation acquired what would become "Proud Lake State Recreation Area" in 1944. The Proud Lake of the 21st century consists of more than 3,000 acres, 30+ miles of trails, and several distinct habitats supporting the wildlife within its confines. The park provides represents a regional destination for trail running, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting. And yes, the park even has overnight camping facilities in place. My father used to make an annual pilgrimage to Proud Lake's main campground in the 1960s with his youth church group. Around the same time, the Chief Pontiac Trail was inaugurated as the Detroit region's first backpacking trail, with Proud Lake providing the critical link between Highland State Recreation Area and Kensington Metropark . The Proud Lake mileage of the CPT remains its most popular segment to date. While Proud Lake truly has something for everyone, here's a special insider tip: with a little intentionality, Proud Lake's most sought-after sites and beautiful trails can be experienced within a condensed loop . Especially with peak fall colors setting in, there's no better time to plan your next visit to Proud Lake along the Expedition Loop . Let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 3.12 miles Elevation Gain : 59 feet Trail Rating : Easy Route Orientation : Loop Parking Specifics : Michigan Recreation Passport required for trailhead parking lot located at the Huron River Fishing Site east of Wixom Road The Expedition Loop starts at one of the most picturesque trailheads throughout the Detroit region: the "Huron River Fishing Site" just east of Wixom Road. While extremely popular with paddlers and anglers looking to explore the Huron, this isolated trailhead is rarely utilized by hikers or trail runners despite its immediate access to Proud Lake's vast trail system. In other words, don't let the potential crowds fool you - you'll have the trail to yourself in no time as you venture east along the southern bank of the Huron River. The first 0.2 miles along the Huron River provide one of the most beautiful - yet hazardous - segments of the Expedition Loop. The forested bank of the Huron means dramatic drop-offs towards the water plus exposed roots galore. Just exert normal trail awareness and you'll complete this segment with nothing more than a newfound appreciation of the Huron's beauty. The forested trail abruptly gives way to the pasture of Proud Lake's "Lower Pines Group Campground," the traditional overnight campgrounds of Chief Pontiac Trail thru-hikers. Other than bathroom facilities, this campground also provides an epic vista of the Huron River - your first of several Instagram-worth photo ops. The trail crosses the campground in a southwest trajectory to continue towards Trail Marker #22 ( just keep left until you reach the sign ). From this point, the "loop" segment of the "Expedition Loop" truly begins. Turn left to venture into the boardwalk segment of the Expedition Loop, which constitutes the best opportunity for amphibian and reptilian wildlife viewing. Caution: please WATCH YOUR STEP while on the boardwalks. Although traversable, several sections are in dire need of repair. The 0.4 mile boardwalk segment gradually transitions from pure "marsh terrain" to heavily "forested terrain." The forested section has proved to be a recent fan favorite due to several fallen oak and maple trees, including the massive uprooted crater from a maple tree during August's high winds. The Montclair Hunting Club's living legacy of expert forestry is also on full display during this segment - the perfectly rowed red pines are still standing nearly a century after their planting. You'll be treated to another Huron River panoramic vista at the 1 mile marker before reaching one of the gems of the trail: the Proud Lake Dam . Immensely popular with anglers, kayakers, and swimmers, this destination often represents one of Proud Lake's busiest. Pro tip: venture just over the bridge and take the first side trail on the right to find an isolated bench. This bench provides one of the most beautiful views of the Huron towards Proud Lake proper. Back over the bridge, keep left to leave the crowds behind and regain serenity on the isolated 0.3 mile segment towards marker #8. This short section of the trail undoubtedly provides your best opportunity for rare wildlife viewing - the forested marshland just south of the Expedition Loop provides Proud Lake's largest area of undisturbed habitat . Past trail marker #8, keep left up the sandy climb to start your journey along Proud Lake's famous " Marsh Loop ." This 0.7 mile segment of the Expedition Loop follows the southern bank of the park's idyllic marsh and its highlight reel of sites, including the following hiker favorites: Reflection bench just before trail marker #5 Panoramic wildlife viewing deck at mile marker 1.9 (featured above) Swan-viewing side trail at mile marker 2.1 Stunning 0.3 miles of pristine boardwalk hiking Best waterfowl and bird viewing opportunities along the entire Expedition Loop EXPLORE PROUD LAKE'S MARSH TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Completing the Marsh Trail, you will cross the main park road as you venture due north back into the park's hardwoods. Don't get distracted by the hynpotic rows of red pines - the trail takes a sharp left turn at the 2.6 mile marker before an immediate right to close the "loop" portion of the Expedition Loop. The final 0.3 miles of the Expedition Loop consist of briefly retracing your steps before continuing straight across the Upper Pines Group Campground. A short descent then ends your hike right where it began at Proud Lake's Huron River Fishing parking lot, along with the satisfaction of knowing that you've just completed a highlight reel of an adventure at one of the Detroit region's most beloved parks . EXPLORE THE BEST OF PROUD LAKE ON THE NEW EXPEDITION LOOP TRAIL ! WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Proud Lake is best experienced by foot AND paddle. Dare I say especially paddle when the Huron River is set fully ablaze by vibrant fall colors . Or during a light snowfall. Or whenever you are all but guaranteed to have the Proud Lake segment of the Huron River National Water Trail all to yourself. I tested this hypothesis a few years ago with my trail pup Lucy . I took her out for a MLK Jr. Day winter paddle, launching from the Proud Lake Dam portage, venturing upstream until a barricade of ice at Proud Lake proper stopped us in our tracks, and then continuing downstream all the way to Milford Central Park. It was a long, stunningly beautiful, near-religious experience on the river, filled with unexpected wildlife sightings and perfectly still waters to paddle through. Despite those sights and sounds, the most prominent memory that I have from that day involves two intrepid hikers who were cruising along the River Trail. We crossed paths a few times on our separate expeditions, and each interaction started with their same repetitive greeting: " Damn, should've brought the kayak! " Don't repeat their mistake. Finish your morning hike with an afternoon paddle. Strike envy in the hearts of your fellow outdoor enthusiasts. And, naturally, don't forget to finish your epic day with a cold one at River's Edge in Downtown Milford . The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

In honor of the arrival of peak hunting season in Michigan, we're launching a two-part series on true - yet controversial - considerations for all of Michigan's recreational community. Part One dials in on the vast economic and environmental factors that validate the necessity of hunting within the Detroit region . #HuntingHardKnocks A house divided against itself cannot stand. Then-senate hopeful Abraham Lincoln famously stated those words on June 16, 1858, standing before the Illinois House of Representatives. The U.S. Senate candidate may have lost that particular race, but his immortal speech in opposition of the prolonged existence of slavery within the United States would propel the future president into the political limelight. President Lincoln understood that the longterm viability of the United States depended on unity. The restored political union of the United States of America. The unity of war-torn families. And, most importantly, the unity of core beliefs for all Americans: that all men are created equal, with unalienable rights to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In 21st century America, the "house divided" construct continues to rear its consequential head across the full spectrum of our society. Especially within Michigan's outdoor industry , the greatest rift that threatens the longevity of ecological conservation, economic expansion, and community connection can be summed up in one word: hunting . More specifically, the fundamental misunderstanding of the vital necessity of hunting for preserving Michigan's outdoors . The Divided State of the Outdoor Community We at Expedition Detroit have experienced the collateral damage associated with this misunderstanding. Roughly one year ago, we started connecting with industry-leading partners for affiliate marketing opportunities . One particular retailer - which will not be named in this article - was our ideal partner. Aside from being arguably the most influential and recognized outdoor retail brand throughout North America, this brand constitutes a key leader in the outdoor recreation advocacy space. Partnering with this brand in our earliest months could have been a catalyst for growth. Alas, after a lengthy application process, the Expedition Detroit team experienced our first operational heartbreak. A denied application, along with a short explanation as to why: " Web content prominently features gun violence and/or hunting. " My jaw dropped when I read those words. For starters, and to the chagrin of Expedition Detroit's hunting faithful, our hunting-related content is the least-publicized across our platform. Aside from the indisputable sensitivity surrounding the topic, that statistic also results from the relatively narrow and insulated scope that hunting has compared to other mixed-trail recreational genres. Additionally, we have always sought to produce our hunting content in a manner that promotes responsible, ethical, and environmentally-conscious practices . Second, and more significantly, painting "gun violence" and "hunting" with the same broad brush is irresponsibly misleading, offensive, and destructive for the growth and sustainability of the greater outdoor economy and community . Gun violence in the United States is undoubtedly one of our country's most horrendous issues. A multifaceted societal stain that has robbed us of the sanctuaries of our schools, festivals, theaters, and places of worship. The leading cause of premature death in the U.S. Something that no rational person - or company - could ever support. Allow us to be abundantly clear: hunting is NOT gun violence . " Gun violence " is defined as "homicide, violent crime, attempted suicide, suicide, and unintentional death and injury" resulting from a firearm. While hunting does involve taking life, and often via the use of a firearm, no aspect of hunting inherently aligns with the definition of gun violence . This particular retailer's uneducated and plainly stupid association of these two disparate concepts only serves to associate ethical and conservation-minded hunters with the most horrific acts of our country's last two decades. To the contrary, leading environmental advocacy organizations like Leave No Trace and household-name brands like Patagonia and Black Diamond actively support hunting. Leave No Trace has affirmed that hunting is a "great American pastime and helped shape many of our first public lands, as well as "a legitimate, traditional and acceptable outdoor recreational pursuit." In Mark Kenyon's phenomenal book That Wild Country , Kenyon recalls the following words from Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, once a stark anti-hunting advocate, at a wildlife conservation conference: " They say that hunters and tree huggers can't get together. That's bullshit. The only way we're going to get anything done is to work together. " Now, this article is not intended to convert any vegans into ardent hunters. At all. Instead, we at Expedition Detroit believe that educating our growing community on the necessity of hunting is of dire importance. To our knowledge, Mr. Chouinard has never hunted in his 85 years exploring this beautiful place we call Earth - yet now recognizes the immense value of hunting for conservation, even without his direct participation in it. Value that Michigan cannot afford to lose. The Irreplaceable Value of Hunting "Warmer winters, fewer hunters have Michigan deer numbers soaring — and it's becoming a problem." Detroit Free Press , October 2022. "Drop in hunting, fishing licenses could harm Michigan economy, reports show." Bridge Michigan , January 2019. "Fewer hunters but more deer as Michigan's firearms season begins." Crain's Detroit Business , November 2018. Just by taking a quick glance at the hunting-related headlines over the last few years, you can easily tell which direction Michigan hunting is headed towards. Likewise, you can also sense the negative undertone of these headlines - that hunter numbers are diminishing, deer herds especially are booming, and that those facts are newsworthy problems . From a purely economic perspective , the sale of hunting and fishing licenses remains a core fiscal component of several interwoven business models. From supercharging the Michigan Department of Natural Resources's financial capacity to supporting thousands of small businesses, the long-term viability of hunting remains a vital economic interest. Here's a helpful infographic produced by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs on this point: Especially for small businesses - over 171,000 to be exact - the economic necessity of hunting provides essential support for hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, and over 4,000 gas stations across Michigan. In fact, these disparate groups have joined the advocacy group Hunting Works for Michigan as an effort to further support this narrow, yet vital, facet of Michigan's larger outdoor recreation industry. That degree of reliance is troubling when compared to recent trends in annual hunter participation. Firearm deer-hunting licenses sold to Michiganders has dropped more than 20% in two decades, down to 621,000 in 2017 from a peak of 785,000 in 1998. The estimated number of hunters that have left the field is over 200,000 and growing since 2000. This problem is further compounded by the fact that Michigan's largest demographic of hunter - white men over the age of 60 - has constituted the leading consumer demographic for over 20 years. Stated differently, the exact same hunting participants, in their individual capacities, have largely carried the conservation torch since the early 2000s. Those consumers are almost 70 now. Not to be morbid, but their days in the woods - and the corresponding economic impact - are dwindling. Rapidly . Urbanization Demands Active Wildlife Management At this point in the article, certain readers may actually be celebrating the sunset of the Boomer generation's hunting participation. We can't fault you for that - as we noted earlier, hunting certainly isn't for every outdoor enthusiast. But please - don't pop the champagne yet. In fact, we implore you to utilize that energy towards brainstorming alternative conservation solutions to hunting. Why? Because a massive exodus of hunters would prove to be an ecological disaster for Michigan's outdoors , and especially the wildlife that are carefully managed, studied, and preserved through hunting programs. Especially with regard to whitetail deer, Michigan's herds are dangerously flourishing . The statewide deer population is estimated at 2 million deer, up 300,000 from a decade ago. Spurred on by warmer climates and hunter participation decreases, this ballooning population has caused a 6.6% increase in deer-related car accidents and a 59.6% increase in crop damage. This oversized herds are also wreaking havoc on forest floors, eliminating young trees, wildflowers, and plants that are essential for warding off invasive species. The Michigan DNR is also strongly concerned regarding the extent of disease emission that accompanies out-of-control and dense deer populations. The Michigan deer herd has two diseases persisting in it: bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease . Bovine tuberculosis, a bacterial disease, causes concern because infected deer can give it to nearby livestock like cattle, and vice versa. Chronic wasting disease - a contagious neurological disease that affects deer, elk and moose - causes a degeneration of the brain resulting in emaciated "zombie deer" that behave erratically, lose bodily functions and ultimately die. Here's the kicker to all of these problems: they are entirely our fault . And by "our," I mean modern American society and our relentless urbanization . In short, "urbanization" involves converting rural land into suburbs - including the eradication of undesirable predators, animal and human alike. Urbanization inherently consists of habitat destruction, which for most species means displacement and necessary migration. Not so for the whitetail deer. To the contrary, deer populations thrive in urbanized, suburban environments . More specifically, the Detroit region's deer herds swell within fragmented "edge" habitats that often occurs with modern suburban developments ( think tracts of trees between houses ). Throw in an ample foraging supply from landscaping and hardly any natural predators, you have the perfect equation for disastrous population growth in the name of urbanization. Effectuating the Necessity of Hunting Now that we've inundated you with more hunting and deer management statistics than you could have ever hoped to learn, we're coming full circle to affirm the hard knock truth about hunting in Michigan - especially hunting near urbanized areas like Detroit: It's a multifaceted necessity for the sustainability of our outdoors. Arguably the most important recreational pursuit due to the ecological problems that we, collectively as a society, have carelessly created. In light of all of the rationales listed above, the Michigan DNR has for several years all but begged Michiganders to educate themselves on and participate in hunting. Especially as the older generation steadily exits the field, the DNR is actively trying to attract new hunters to regions like Metro Detroit through several unprecedented policy changes. These include lowering the minimum participation age, outreach and education programs , expanding Southeast Michigan's bow hunting season to January 31st, creating new hunting opportunities for Michiganders with disabilities, antler point restriction relaxation, and the virtual elimination of antlerless permits in the lower peninsula. For us at Expedition Detroit , we strongly encourage our community to support hunting either actively or passively by simply buying a license . While our sincere hope is that this article educates and influences every reader towards a more wholistic view on hunting, we recognize that getting every outdoor enthusiast on board with the recreational pursuit represents wishful thinking at best. No, our much more rational goal is simply to re-engage the narrative on hunting in the Detroit region by examining well-researched facts . Taking a deep dive into the rationales the support - no, demand - the necessity of hunting on a large scale for the ecological sustainability of our wild life and remaining wild places. We will never fault someone for not wanting to take an animal's life. But in light of the society that we've created, we need a significant percentage of our population to recognize immensity of benefits in doing so. Who knows - in the process you may even fall in love with this timeless recreational passion, just like the millions of Americans that seek solitude and adventure in the woods this time of year. This article briefly touches on the sensitive topic of gun violence in the United States - a public health epidemic that has exacted an immense emotional, economic, and societal toll within communities across our country. Gun violence is preventable : Expedition Detroit strongly encourages our community to educate themselves on the issue and advocate for common sense solutions that address the underlying causes, warning signs, and proliferation of gun violence in America.

In honor of the arrival of peak hunting season in Michigan, we're continuing our series on true - yet controversial - considerations for Michigan's recreational community. Part Two zeroes in on the ecological emergency requiring hunters to pass on most bucks and harvest a doe. #HuntingHardKnocks " If it's brown, it's down. " Mantras like that have conventionally been frowned upon by both the "old guard" hunting community and Michigan's recreational community at large. We get it - there's an inherent moral desire to watch certain demographics of any population grow and thrive. Or maybe you're just looking for the next statement mount for your cabin or den. We don't judge. Regardless, hunters have placed a heavy emphasis on targeting only one specific type of deer: the alluring and evasive "trophy buck. " That stereotypical, massively-antlered deer head that you're probably imagining right now. And as Michigan's hunting population continues to grow older , that target mindset has steadily become more engrained into the fabric of the hunting ethos. There's another saying, unfortunately, that also applies to the current state of deer management in Michigan: " The road to hell is paved with good intentions. " What we mean is that from a conservation perspective, several nuanced and interconnected factors - including hunter preferences - have led to a skyrocketing whitetail deer population. Especially in southeast Michigan, where relatively limited hunting access and abundant restrictions insulate massive herd populations. This is not a good development. Our regional, predominantly suburban ecosystem has notably suffered over the past decade under the weight of these unsustainable growth trends. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has consequentially eased regulations on doe harvests , yet hunters apparently have not bought in to the agenda. My fellow Michigan hunters - and yes, especially those of us in the Detroit region - this article is specifically for you . We need to be the tip of the arrow ( pun intended ) for effectuating the DNR's management plan. Our regional ecosystem desperately needs us to take more does. Here's the breakdown as to why. Doe, a Deer - Way Too Many (Female) Deer There are increasingly few topics that news outlets can unanimously agree on. As residents of a critically-important state for the upcoming elections , Michiganders know this all too well. So when it comes to coverage of Michigan's resident deer population, it's refreshing to read headlines that reinforce each other, regardless of source. The concerning part is the headlines themselves . Michigan's herds are dangerously flourishing .  The statewide deer population is estimated at 2 million deer, up 300,000 from a decade ago. Spurred on by warmer climates and hunter participation decreases, this ballooning population caused over 58,000 car accidents and a 59.6% increase in crop damage. This oversized herds also wreak havoc on forest floors, eliminating young trees, wildflowers, and plants that are essential for warding off invasive species. Recent trends in annual hunter participation have further exacerbated the proble. Firearm deer-hunting licenses sold to Michiganders has dropped more than 20% in two decades, down to 621,000 in 2017 from a peak of 785,000 in 1998. The estimated number of hunters that have left the field is over 200,000 and growing since 2000. This problem is further compounded by the fact that Michigan's largest demographic of hunter - white men over the age of 60 - has constituted the leading consumer demographic for over 20 years. 8 Facts of Michigan Deer Hunting Despite these figures, let's be abundantly clear that the situation is not hopeless . Hunting in Michigan has actually experienced a notable boost in the post-Covid era, with the number of deer licenses sold for the 2023 firearm season up 2% from the previous year, and the number of hunters buying the tags was up 1% year-over-year. Hunters are slowing returning to the woods, which is an accomplishment worth celebrating for conservation initiatives like the Michigan Wildlife Council. But the next phase is the most important: executing the DNR's management strategy. Michigan's Need for Hunters as Conservation Agents Hunting in Michigan is a cherished generational past time that has engrained itself into the cultural heritage of our state. As such, hunters trek into the woods every season for a variety of reasons. From passing on family traditions to producing cutting-edge outdoor content, providing organic venison for loved ones to simply enjoying a sit in a favorite stand. Simply put, if you're in the woods in October and November, you're doing something right. Here's our ask: on behalf of Expedition Detroit , the Michigan DNR, and the State of Michigan as a whole, please add "Conservation Agent" to your hunting rationales this season. What we mean by "Conservation Agent" is to adopt that identity that you're hunting for a purpose far greater than just recreation. Especially when a harvest opportunity presents itself, consider the consistent and intentional message that the DNR has broadcast to the hunting community. “For the last several years we’ve been trying, particularly in southern Michigan, to encourage hunters to take more antlerless deer, when we talk about declining hunter numbers, increasing deer populations,” said Chad Fedewa , a wildlife biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources who specializes in deer, elk and moose management. “We’re trying to encourage hunters to at least go one-to-one: If you shoot a buck, shoot a doe. ” Seeing as we're publishing this article on October 3rd - Day 3 of the 2024 Whitetail Deer Season - the Expedition Detroit team is taking one-to-one a step further. Head into the woods targeting a mature doe. Here are the rationales as to why: Healthy Buck-to-Doe Ratio High buck-to-doe ratios lead to a litany of problems for a deer population . From depleted food sources and cover to ill-timed fawn drops, having as close to a 1:1 ratio as possible is best for overall herd quality. Enhance the Rut Harvesting a pre-rut doe will actually help in supercharging rut activity. Rut data notes that having more than a 3:1 doe-to-buck ratio will decrease rut activity and buck movement. Better Chances for Success According to Michigan State University , the antlerless population is roughly 3X the size of the mature buck population. In other words, by specifically targeting a doe in the early season, you will triple your odds of success. Eased Regulations The 2024 Whitetail Deer Regulations continue the DNR's trend of easing doe restrictions in southern Michigan. Any regular tag may be used to harvest an antlerless deer. Extended Season In southeast Michigan, an extended antlerless firearm season now exists for several counties from December 16th until January 12th. The extended "Urban Archery" season for all legal deer will remain in place until January 31st. Freezer Filler This should be self-explanatory, but at the end of the day venison is venison. By harvesting an early-season doe, your freezer will be full, the "harvest pressure" that hunters know all too well will be gone, and you'll be able to hunt for that trophy buck knowing that you've already contributed to conservation. Hunt for the Hungry One massive benefit of an over-abundant doe population is the opportunity to donate venison to feed Metro Detroit families. Organizations like Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger have feed millions of families through venison donated by hunters. If you can take one lasting blurb from this article, we hope it's that harvesting a doe provides far more value than just filling a tag. The health of our state's fragile whitetail deer population, urban road safety, agricultural productivity, and DNR conservation efforts gravely depend on it. We hope that hunters will join us in prioritizing hunting as a means of effectuating sustainable conservation in Michigan. And we look forward to demonstrating the same through our choices in the stand . On behalf of the Expedition Detroit team, we wish you all an amazing hunting season. May your success only be rivaled by that of the Tigers and Lions . We'll see you in the field. GEAR UP FOR WHITETAIL DEER SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Interested in whitetail deer hunting - or getting into hunting in general? Check out our 2024 Ultimate Hunting Cheatsheet for all matters southeast Michigan hunting this fall!

Fall has FINALLY arrived in Southeast Michigan, and there's no better way to enjoy its vibrant colors and teeming wildlife than spending a night (or two) immersed in the season's glory. Don't miss the fleeting opportunity to experience these 5 best destinations for fall camping near Detroit . "Blink and you'll miss it." While I'd be lying if I said that phrase doesn't trigger at least some degree of "FOMO" anxiety, I can't think of an instance where those words didn't describe something fantastic. Or miraculous. Bucket list-worthy types of experiences. And for me, whenever I'm blessed with the foreknowledge that a "blink experience" is coming down the pipeline, I aim to do everything I physically can to make sure that I don't miss it. Action steps like making reservations, buying tickets, saying yes to novel opportunities - even physical conditioning . Anything to better your odds of capitalizing on a once in a lifetime moment. Peak fall conditions in the Detroit region qualifies, without a doubt, as "blink experience." One day little bits of orange, red, or yellow color start peeking through a sea of green. Then, over the span of a week, BOOM - an explosion of the most vibrant autumnal color palate that the human eye has ever witnessed. Art in its most natural, unadulterated form. And then, typically after a violent windstorm or two, it;s all gone. A few stray leaves remaining as lasting testaments to the brilliance that was. Another "Pure Michigan" fall in the books. Here's the point: fall's magic is fleeting, so we strongly recommend that you set yourself up for not "missing it" but immersing yourself in its natural beauty. Literally sleeping under the foliage after hiking, biking, or paddling to a rustic, forested campground. You know where this is heading . Here are the 5 best campgrounds for fall camping near Detroit! 1. BLIND LAKE CAMPGROUND | Pinckney State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 10 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In or Bike-In Reservable Dates: All Year Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Located along the western rim of the quintessential Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation Area, the main allure of Blind Lake stems from its isolation from any main trailhead within Pinckney or its surrounding parks . Any arrival at Blind Lake is earned either by boot or pedal ( 7 miles from the Silver Lake trailhead ), so your night spent under the brilliant stars and by the lapping waves will be free of headlights and slamming car doors. Blind Lake's solitude is further enhanced by the gracious amount of space allocated between the sites. The campground ensures as much privacy as a camper could ever hope for - especially when camping in the later fall months or dead of winter . The Blind Lake Rustic Campground is located about halfway along the 17-mile Potawatomi Trail . The campground is outfitted with a vault toilet, hand-pump water access, and fire rings. Only dead and downed timber are to be used for firewood. Advanced reservation required to book a site. 2. CROOKED LAKE CAMPGROUND | Pinckney State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - November 29th Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees If you're looking for a slightly more accessible - but still rustic - stay at Pinckney Recreation Area, then Crooked Lake Campground has the ideal setup for what you're looking for. Intrepid recreationists can still readily hike or bike into camp from the main Silver Lake Trailhead along the Potawatomi Trail, although Crooked Lake's 25 sites also accommodate car-camping enthusiasts. While this attribute of Crooked Lake may detract from its "fall wilderness solitude" aesthetic a-la-Blind Lake, Crooked Lake has one key feature that makes it a massive draw for especially paddlers and anglers: The Fishing Pier . That's right - Crooked Lake features a fishing pier/boat launch that provides an ideal location for kicking back and casting a line or setting off towards an autumnal sunset over the waves. As fantastic as secluded, forested campsites are, there's just something ethereal about kicking your boots off after a long hike and dipping your feet into crisp, fresh water. Each site at Crooked Lake Campground features a picnic table and fire pit. Other amenities include potable water and vault toilets. Advanced reservation required to book a site. HIKE THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3. ISLAND LAKE CANOE CAMPGROUND | Island Lake State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 2 Arrival Logistics: Paddle-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - October 31st Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Spending a night at Island Lake Recreation Area's Canoe Campground should be on every local outdoor enthusiast's "Bucket List." Why? Well, for starters, the sites are the most limited to book out of this "Best Destinations" list. As noted above, there are only 2 sites available for reservation at the campground. The scarcity of the sites is fortunately diluted by a one night-maximum stay per reservation, but still...book while you can. The second reason - and far more adventurous one - involves how you arrive at your site. As you probably guessed, there's only one way in or out of the Canoe Campground: via canoe (or kayak/paddleboard). One would think that " Canoe Camping " would be an immensely common way to camp in the Detroit region given our plethora of water, but amazingly Island Lake is only one of four legitimate canoe campgrounds throughout the entire Detroit region . Canoe Camping still remains a relatively niche method of camping throughout our region. All the more reason to book a site, pack up your kayak with some dry bags, and paddle down a fully-foliaged Huron River to an unforgettable experience. Island Lake's Canoe Campground is located 0.5 miles downstream of the Riverbend Picnic Shelter launching point. Amenities include a vault toilet, fire ring, picnic table and grill. There is no potable water available, so please bring your own water or water filter. Advanced reservation required to book a site. EXPLORE ISLAND LAKE RECREATION AREA  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 4. GREEN LAKE CAMPGROUND | Waterloo State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - November 29th for rustic sites Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Another lakeside and ideal fall camping destination includes Waterloo Recreation Area's premiere camping destination, the Green Lake Campground . Located on the northeastern edge of Waterloo's expansive 20,000 acres, Green Lake marks roughly the mid-way point of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail and as such is frequented by backpackers, bike-packers, and car campers alike. The 25 sites in the campground overlook the idyllic Green Lake, including its golden sunsets and ample bird-watching opportunities. For our niche "glamping" readers, Green Lake also offers something special just for you: its regionally-famous, heated, open year-round Green Lake Yurt . The Yurt sleeps 5 people and comes outfitted with 2 futons, solar powered lights inside ( lantern or flashlight also recommended ), small table, propane cooking stove, and an outdoor grill. The Green Lake Rustic Campground is located near the DTE Energy Foundation Trail , Waterloo Pinckney Trail , and the Border-to-Border Trail . The campground includes vault toilets and a hand pump available for water. Advanced reservation required to book a site. 5. APPLETON LAKE RUSTIC CAMPGROUND   | Brighton State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - October 14th Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Brighton State Recreation Area has something for everyone - especially in the fall when camping at Appleton Lake Rustic Campground under its towering, vibrant oak trees. Love hiking? Then trek over to the Penosha Trail , repeatedly ranked as one of Michigan's best hiking trails . How about mountain biking? Perfect, you'll be camping with immediate access to Brighton's full MTB loop trail system . And yes, the campground also provides boat launch access to both Appleton Lake and Little Appleton Lake via a connecting stream. Each site at Appleton Lake Rustic Campground  features a picnic table and fire pit. Other amenities include potable water, vault toilets, and a dumpster. Advanced reservation  required to book a site. EXPLORE BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT This article includes Michigan camping insights published within Matt Forster's fantastic guide book Best Tent Camping: Michigan (3rd Edition) . We couldn't recommend this book any more for our regional outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Detroit region and beyond. What are your favorite campgrounds? Is there a particular "hidden gem" near Detroit that you have been camping at for years that deserves a special spotlight? Let us know in the comments!

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition treks across one of the Detroit region's most beloved trails - if not THE most beloved trail - Brighton Recreation Area's Penosha Trail . Join us as we rediscover this iconic trail. "Pace yourself, Lucy - the climb is coming." My trail pup pauses for a second to look at me, confused why I'm slowing down our pace as we're hiking through a rolling, mature oak forest. We are roughly two miles in at this point, and she's clearly feeling trail-confident despite resting most of the past winter. She wants to keep pushing on - maybe a distracted squirrel might come into range - but a quick glance at the trail map shows that a challenge waits on the horizon. One last, imposing moraine to summit before a gradual, rewarding decline. All great trails seem to showcase this feature: a notable, slightly unnerving element that adds a flavor of adventure to an otherwise leisurely experience . An "Everest Summit Push" is the quintessential example, but other top-tier trails like the Inca Trail's "Dead Woman's Pass" climb, the ascent for Lake Solitude at Grand Teton National Park, and even Michigan's #1 ranked Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls Loop all have defining challenges that induct these trails into the proverbial "hall of fame" of unforgettable outdoor experiences. We invite you to test this hypothesis at Brighton Recreation Area's Penosha Trail . Try to ignore the adrenaline rush as the trail's dramatic ridge line steadily contrasts against the sky, finally unveiling the challenge ahead. Fully-embrace the satisfaction of emerging from the tree-line to catch your first glimpse of the exposed summit. And for a moment - a fleeting, beautiful moment - allow the summit experience to completely redefine your perception of the Detroit region's outdoors. The drive, adventure, and opportunity that our wild places incite within all of us. If ( no, when ) you find yourself standing and smiling on Penosha's summit hill, then you will understand exactly why the Penosha Trail continues to reign as one of Michigan's top 10 trails . This trail has a timeless magic to its forested corridors, marshland boardwalks, and dramatic climbs. An experience that will surely bring you and your trail pup back for many, many more hikes to come. It is our honor to reintroduce the Penosha Trail and Brighton Recreation Area now. MEET BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA Here at Expedition Detroit , we have a bias towards the remarkable . Experiences, landscapes, stories, and equipment that dramatically redefine previous perceptions - and most often misconceptions - of Detroit's outdoor industry. We actively search for the unique opportunities that leave both visitors and life-long residents of the Detroit region in awe of the world-class destinations waiting just around the corner. Exploring Brighton Recreation Area and its 4,947 acres represents one such opportunity . The destination's dramatic landscapes, pristine lakes, and surprisingly steep ridge lines trace the park's 25,000 year history , when receding glaciers forever etched their mark into park's defining moraine hills and other geographic features. The first modern settlements to the area arrived in the 1820s, resulting in the largely unsuccessful cultivation of the rugged terrain and eventual abandonment by the 1940s. Tracing the post-World War II boom in recreation that inspired the foundation of many other Michigan state parks , the Michigan Department of Conservation first established Brighton Recreation Area in 1944 and has since continued to increase its acreage over the decades. The "Brighton Rec" of 2023 continues to pack a knock-out punch with its full menu of outdoor pursuits . Scattered throughout the park's hills, dense forests, marshlands, and lakes, recreationists can pursue mountain biking, hiking, trail running, equestrianism (mostly throughout the western segments of the park), paddling, swimming, fishing, hunting, camping, and cross-country skiing. For camping, Brighton maintains several reservation-only campgrounds, with its Appleton Lake and Murray Lake campgrounds constituting the park's two "rustic" camping options. The Bishop Lake area of Brighton Rec is especially stunning and provides the nexus of Brighton's most enviable paddling, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking opportunities. Most important for our purposes, Bishop Lake provides the starting line for Brighton's crowning achievement: hiking the famous Penosha Trail. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 4.9 miles Elevation Gain : 393 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Route Orientation : Loop Parking Specifics : Parking available at Bishop Lake trailhead (Michigan Recreation Passport required) The Bishop Lake Trailhead at Brighton Recreation Area often feels more like a family reunion than a typical trailhead parking lot . Think big, BIG family reunion - uncles, aunts, and cousins across multiple generations, timezones, and lifestyles. A kaleidoscope of personalities and interests, brought together solely for one singular purpose. For reunions, that purpose is family. At Brighton Rec, that purpose is adventure . Multi-faceted, unbridled adventure. By paddle or peddle, day hike or trail run, a quick 2 mile sprint or an overnight backpacking expedition. Regardless of the pursuit, outdoor enthusiasts can exercise their vice at Brighton Rec - and the Bishop Lake Trailhead is where the vast majority of those pursuits spectacularly collide. For both hikers and mountain bikers, your recreational adventures start just east of the official trailhead origination point . Once you pass by the informational kiosks, the first divergence point waits around a wooded corner. Mountain bikers ( and advanced trail runners ), venture left to access Brighton's famous MTB loops (signs for Appleton, Murray Lake, and Torn Shirt Trails). Hikers and trail runners looking for Penosha ( Ojibwe word meaning "long") or the Kahchin (Ojibwe word meaning "short") Trails should keep right to follow the "Hiking Trail" sign. The official-unofficial Penosha starting marker waits for you just up the trail at the 0.1 mile marker. While you can hike the Penosha Trail loop in either direction, this guide analyzes the loop as it is presented in the above map: clockwise, i.e. starting with the northernmost segment . An Eagle Scout recently marked the trail using blue markers in a counter-clockwise direction, but we enjoyed hiking clockwise since it felt like we were "counting down the miles" back to the trailhead. To each their own. The first 2.5 miles of Penosha are relatively flat and largely traverse rolling ridge lines through mature oak and pine forests. The trail includes a moderately challenging climb at the 1.1 mile marker, but otherwise this segment effortlessly oscillates between gentle climbs and descents, dropping into marshlands and then rising again for sweeping vistas. Volunteers have also installed benches throughout the trail, so you will never hike more than a half mile or so from a rest location. Please exercise moderate caution on the steep stairs leading to Teahen Road at the 1.5 mile marker, and take your time on the boardwalks that immediately follow across one of Brighton Rec's largest marshes . During our visit, these boardwalks were largely flooded over, other than a plank of wood that required what felt like an Olympic-level balance beam routine to cross. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and try not to turn your hike into a swim. The rolling terrain continues past the boardwalks, although a quick glance at a topographic trail map will keep you on alert for the trail's one true test: the half mile, 17% grade, 147ft. climb to Penosha's summit at the 3 mile marker . For the majority of hikers, this climb will not pose much a challenge - to the contrary, we bet that you'll thoroughly enjoy the sharp rise into Penosha's "highlands," complete with the sweeping views that accompany reaching a mid-climb plateau at the 2.7 mile marker. For newer hikers, note that the first length of this climb is the most difficult . Remember: slow is smooth and smooth is fast . Take short, intentional steps, sip on your water bottle as needed, and know that there is a perfectly-placed bench waiting to greet you at the top. Past the plateau, the oak trees that have covered the trail for most of your hike will dissipate as you gradually reach the "true summit": an exposed grassy knoll with impressive views to the south and east. Is this the most dramatic summit experience that you'll log into the annals of your hiking achievements? No, but it is nonetheless a rewarding experience to reach this dramatic point on the trail. Feel free to enjoy this accomplishment however you'd like - if you packed a trail beer with you, this is the spot to enjoy it ( seasonal restrictions are in effect at Bishop Lake ). There is only one element of the Penosha Trail that detracts from its otherwise immaculate wilderness experience . Local hikers and trail runners already know where this is heading, but new inductees to the trail might feel slight disorientation when the literal and figurative peak of the trail experience abruptly morphs into a residential area. After completing the "summit push" at the 3 mile trail marker, your steady decline back towards the trailhead will provide a brief reminder that you are still hiking within one of the largest metropolitan areas in North America. The southern loop of Penosha will dead-end into Teahen Road, where you turn left to continue trekking downhill while humming "Country Roads" to yourself. In case you have any questions on where to go, the blue arrow that's spray-painted into the tree directly across from the trail will guide the way. The natural trail picks up again on your right at the very bottom of the Teahen Road straightaway. Once safely returned to the refuge of Brighton Rec, the trail steers north away from the houses and back into the park's rolling hardwood hills. The initial 0.8 miles of this segment provide a steady decline, culminating beside two scenic marshes to your right. Penosha does keep one final hill in store for the last half mile, but hikers are immediately rewarded for this effort with a direct "beeline" descent for the trailhead. Extra points to you if you coordinate your triumphant return with an epic sunset viewing across Bishop Lake. EXPLORE THE PENOSHA TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Pick an adventure. Any adventure. Guess what - you're just 10 minutes away from starting on it . That's the caliber of outdoor experiences immediately available to wonderfully-spoiled recreation hubs like Brighton, Michigan . Even if you were to limit your geographic scope to just Brighton Rec - no, even just the Bishop Lake Trailhead area - you would already be well-positioned to pair your Penosha Trail hike with a mountain biking, backpacking, or paddling expedition. Now that we're heading into the warmer months, we especially recommend bringing your bike along for the ride to tackle Brighton Rec's full MTB Loop Trail System: a heart-pounding 14.8 miles in total that constitutes one of only three "Black Diamond" ranked trails existing within the Detroit region. Beyond Brighton Rec, we advise allocating the rest of your recreational weekend around seasonal outdoor opportunities. Has fresh snow covered the trails? Awesome - head over to either Mt. Brighton ski resort to carve your tracks into groomed runs or take on nordic skiing at Huron Meadows Metropark's nationally-acclaimed facilities. Does the summer sun have you heated? No sweat - allow the Huron River to cool you down, especially in light of the pristine paddling opportunities waiting for your launch at Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area . Again , pick any adventure and a general direction. Regardless of the season or conditions, we guarantee that you will find a destination around the Brighton area to scratch that recreational itch. We can't wait to see you out there. The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

This Halloween season, lace up your boots - and pack in a little extra courage - as you set out on these infamous 5 haunted hikes across the Detroit region's most obscure outdoor destinations ! October in Michigan engages all of the senses. The warming smell of damp leaves in the morning sun. The vibrant sight of a maple in full regalia. The tangible crunch of a fallen leaf along your favorite trail. A fleeting glimpse of something moving through the evening fog, just past the tree line. Another hiker or biker? A deer? Way too big for another squirrel. Wait, did I even see anything at all? I swear that it looked... human . These questions and more cloud your mind as you continue your trek, but amazingly you're not frightened. To the contrary, you're exhilarated. October also has a perennial habit of igniting our perceived "supernatural sense" - our affinity for the macabre, obscure, and paranormal . Right in step with the changing leaves and football tailgates, October's progression entails downtown skeletons , jack-o-lanterns, horror movie marathons, haunted hayrides, and Halloween's takeover of the social events calendar (#SpookySZN). We in the outdoor community are equally - if not especially - susceptible to this autumnal phenomena. Beyond Halloween themed-5Ks and haunted festivals , our naturally curious, intrepid, and active spirits seem to find camaraderie with similar spirits from this world - and beyond . Think about it: the best campfires feature ghost stories and the most memorable hiking tales include an inexplicable encounter in the backwoods. Even hit podcasts like " Park Predators " attract seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to tune due to our integral curiosity about "worst case scenarios" in North America's most idyllic destinations . To our most fearless and adventurous readers: we've curated this article on Detroit's most obscure outdoor destinations specifically for you. Each of these destinations provide an opportunity for "haunted hiking," where you may very well find your hiking companion to be a transcendental traveller or restless sentient. From battlefields to barriers, homesteads to deserted islands, the paranormal history of the Detroit region's outdoors provides a wealth of other-worldly discovery opportunities this Halloween season... if you dare . 1. HAVEN HILL ESTATE | Highland State Recreation Area | Highland, Michigan Rationale for Infamy : The Destruction of the Ford Family's Wilderness Estate Haunted Hike : Haven Hill Loop Trail As you stand in the midst of the ruins of the Haven Hill Estate , you almost get the sensation that you're intruding. Yes, you fully know that you're in the great outdoors as you glance at the ruinous stonework and brilliant foliage surrounding you. The informational signs further evidence that you are well within your recreational rights to explore this famous area of Highland State Recreation Area . And yet...there you are. A modern guest standing in the ruins of the Ford Family's wilderness refuge . A destination of utmost privacy utilized brilliantly by the Fords to escape from an intrusive 20th century America. A lodge in the woods that hosted inventors, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities of a bygone era. A monument to luxury and extravagance, lost in a matter of moments to an all-consuming fire in 1999. One can only imagine what world-changing conversations must have occurred next to the skeleton of the still-standing hearth, or the grand business ideas that originated throughout Haven Hill's trail system . Who knows - maybe the spirits of those great men and women still continue those hikes and conversations, all the while perplexed by our blatant intrusion. Regardless, we wouldn't mind being joined by a ghost or two on our haunted hikes around the beautiful Haven Hill Estate this fall. EXPLORE HIGHLAND STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2. PECHE ISLAND CITY PARK | Windsor, Ontario Rationale for Infamy : The Curse of Peche Island Haunted Hike : Peche Island Natural Trail Our sole Canadian inclusion on this haunted hikes list certainly claims the top spot as the most cursed destination. Now owned by the City of Windsor, Peche Island consists of 86 acres that largely serves as a protected wetlands habitat for native and rare migratory birds. Expeditious visitors to the island can paddle to its beaches and spend the day swimming, fishing, or walking its sole trail. There are no permanent residents on the island - and for good reason, per adherents to the Curse of Peche Island . According to local legend, the curse dates back to 1883. Shortly after September 26, 1882, the family of Hiram Walker were in the process of purchasing the entirety of Peche Island from the Laforet family. Utilizing hostile and allegedly coercive bargaining tactics, representatives of the Walker family "convinced" Rosalie Laforet, a widow at this point, to deed her third of the island to the Walkers. Legend states that when it was time to leave, Rosalie got down on her knees and cursed both the Walkers and Peche Island, stating the " No one will ever do anything with the island! " Despite the Walkers' grand plans to convert Peche Island into a resort rivaling nearby Belle Isle Park , "The Curse" apparently took hold shortly after Rosalie's arrival to the Canadian mainland. Willis Walker, the lawyer who had handled the purchase of the island, died soon afterwards at the age of 28. Hiram Walker, Sr. also suffered poor health while on the island, leading to his transfer of the property to his daughter Elizabeth in 1895. Elizabeth was unable to maintain her father's grand plans, leading to her sale of the island to the Detroit and Windsor Ferry Company in 1907. Even the removal of the Walkers from Peche Island could not lift The Curse. Walter E. Campbell, the president of the company, died in the island's mansion built by Hiram Walker within months of purchasing the island. The mansion itself burnt to the ground in 1929 after reportedly suffering a lighting strike. Peche Island gradually was abandoned throughout the 1930s, and by 1955 it was utilized largely as a hunting and fishing destination by Bob-Lo Company security guards (Bob-Lo purchased the island in 1939). The last attempted development failed in 1969, resulting in Peche Island remaining as parkland since the early 1970s. Is The Curse real? History sure seems to verify its existence, but fortunately it only seems to apply to developmental schemes - not recreational. So enjoy your haunted hikes on the island, fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Just remember to leave your vacation home aspirations on the mainland. 3. EIGHT MILE WALL | Alfonso Wells Memorial Playground | Detroit, Michigan Rationale for Infamy : The Terror of Segregation Haunted Hike : Eight Mile Wall Mural Walk Certain sectors of Detroit's Wyoming neighborhood are verifiably haunted. No - not by curses, ghouls, werewolves, vampires, or any other apparitions that tend to parade around the Detroit region this time of year. These particular haunts are tangible, visible, and long-standing for the whole world to witness. This neighborhood remains permanently haunted by the most visible scar of Detroit's segregationist past: The Eight Mile Wall . Dating back to 1940s, developers erected the half-mile long wall in order to preserve the value of a planned "white neighborhood." The Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") deemed the prospective development as being too close to an existing "black neighborhood," which under the FHA's redlining policy meant that the developers would forfeit an opportunity to obtain federal funding for the project. Thus began the idea for the Eight Mile Wall, and the barrier remained the de facto racial divider for residential development between Mendota Street and Birdwood Avenue until 1968. While the Fair Housing Act abolished redlining for good, the Eight Mile Wall remains a living relic of Detroit's tragic history that continues to haunt its present . Urban explorers can visit the wall and embark on haunted hikes around its community murals at the Alfonso Wells Memorial Playground , just north of Van Artwerp Park, in Detroit. 4. BELLE ISLE PARK | Detroit, Michigan Rationale for Infamy : The Legend of the Lady in White Haunted Hike : Belle Isle Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Trail It's no secret that Detroit's most famous park has long captured the world's attention as a must-visit destination in the Motor City . With its wealth of natural beauty, historical structures, and cultural resources, Belle Isle Park has hosted nearly two centuries of recreationsists. Beyond Belle Isle's stunning views of Detroit to the North and Canada to the South, most casual visitors also enjoy frequenting the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, and the Ralph Wilson Gateway (which serves as the official southern trailhead for the Iron Belle Trail ). Belle Isle has also evolved into a popular destination for " obscure tourism ," which appeals to travelers searching for the world's most unique, unusual, and often bizarre destinations. Popular sights on the Isle within this genre include the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon (dedicated to the memory of an anonymous peace advocate) and the Belle Isle Aquarium (the oldest continually operating aquarium in America). An even rarer bread of tourist, however, frequents Belle Isle this time of year for another obscure rationale: ghost sightings . With a park as old and storied as Belle Isle, it's only natural that the island would be rumored to be haunted. More specifically, Belle Isle's bridges are allegedly haunted by an apparition known commonly as the " Lady in White. " Legend states that Ottawa Chief Sleeping Bear had a daughter so beautiful that the chief did not allow her to see any of the suitors incessantly pursuing her. Just like any rational father, Chief Sleeping Bear decided to permanently banish her to Belle Isle under the watchful protection - for all of time - of the Great Spirits . And so she remains - a wandering spirit clothed in white, still longing for the life that was unjustly taken from her. Apparently you can summon her by parking on one of Belle Isle's many bridges , honking three times, and waiting for her to appear. Who knows, maybe she'll make for a perfect companion on one of your haunted hikes this fall... EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 5. BATTLE OF BROWNSTOWN | Lake Erie Metropark | Rockwood, Michigan Rationale for Infamy : The Forgotten Rout of U.S. Soldiers Haunted Hike : Downriver Linked Greenways Trail (East West) While researching this article, we stumbled across a wide breadth of fascinating - and largely entertaining - scholarship on hauntings, ghosts, and paranormal activity. One article involved an analysis on "ghosts" vs. "spirits," with "ghosts" being apparitions that are" tied to the location of their death, usually a sudden or tragic one, and they often don’t realize that they are dead. . . in most cases, they have 'unfinished business' as the deceased person does not accept the way in which they died. " Now there's a fun fact to whip out at your next Halloween party. In the spirit of this analysis ( pun intended ), the Detroit region has only a handful of locations where mass, confusing deaths occurred within a finite window of time . Most involved young men, fighting for the continued existence of their fledgling country in the wilderness of one of its newest territories. Those instances occurred during the War of 1812 - one of America's least taught and fundamentally perplexing conflicts - in unfamiliar terrain and at the hands of an unconventional enemy. And of the battles that contained those deaths, there's one that the history books have all but forgotten: the Battle of Brownstown . On August 5, 1812, within what is now Lake Erie Metropark , 200 U.S. soldiers were ambushed by Shawnee Chief Tecumseh and roughly 25 of his warriors. Despite the notable superiority of the U.S. force, Chief Tecumseh routed the soldiers and pursued them for several miles as the U.S. retreated north to Fort Detroit. By the time the Americans had reached Detroit, their regiment had lost 18 men, sustained 12 wounded, and were missing 70. Only 1 Native American warrior died. Now place yourself in the boots of one of those fallen American soldiers. Despite being in the prime of your life, your final moments were spent engulfed in panic , trudging through marshland, and evading an unseen enemy that rained bullets and arrows upon your position. During a battle that historians have classified as an "early skirmish" within the context of a poorly understood conflict. I don't know about you, but given those abhorrent circumstances, I would certainly have "unfinished business" with the location of such a death. We can't confirm if there are any ghosts conducting their own haunted hikes along the East-West Downriver Linked Greenways Trail of Lake Erie Metropark, but if there are, we wish them the best in processing what occurred over two centuries ago. This article features content originally featured on Atlas Obscura , a user-generated media platform intended to showcase and catalogue thousands of hidden gem attractions around the world. Heralded as a " millennial's National Geographic ," Atlas Obscura curates its listings to focus on "the weird and wonderful,"and more specifically on global destinations with hidden places, incredible history, scientific marvels, and gastronomical wonders. We at Expedition Detroit fully endorse their mission to inspire wonder and curiosity about the incredible world we all share. Looking to experience the wonders of Detroit's outdoors firsthand? Check out our upcoming guided trips to rediscover our region's hidden natural gems along our most beautiful trails!

Fall means primetime in Detroit's outdoors - especially for the Michigan hunting community ready for crisp mornings and cool evenings in the woods! Here is Expedition Detroit's breakdown of the game, dates, equipment, and special regulations for the 2024 Michigan hunting season . Michigan hunters, start your engines : Fall is officially BACK and the woods are ready for your arrival! Before trekking out into the woods, however, we always encourage both seasoned and fresh hunters to pause for a moment and review the Michigan Department of Natural Resources ' annual fishing guide and hunting summaries. These summaries are truly invaluable resources for reviewing recent changes to DNR regulations, restrictions, and procedures, such as last year's mandatory deer harvest reporting requirements . Regardless if you’re a veteran woodsman or as green as hunters come, reading through the 2024 Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary would be a worthwhile investment of your time prior to heading out to your stand. The only downside to wading through the DNR's comprehensive summaries is that they tend to be almost too informational. We don't blame the DNR - creating a Michigan hunting regulations bible each year that covers the whole state certainly isn't a small feat. However, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing, and summaries of this magnitude often cause readers' eyes to glaze over and miss the most important information. That's where we step in. Ladies and gentlemen, meet our second annual Michigan Hunting Cheatsheet: Expedition Detroit's curated summary of the most important information for hunters within the Detroit region. Whitetail Deer When : October 1st - November 14th and December 1st - January 1st for archery , November 15th - 30th for regular firearm , and December 6th - 15th for muzzleloader . There is a late antlerless firearm season open on private lands only from December 16th, 2024 - January 1st, 2025. NEW: There is an extended late antlerless season within Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties until January 12th, 2025 on public and private land. An extended " Urban Archery Season " exists until January 31st for Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. Hunting Equipment : Compound or crossbow all season; limited firearms and muzzleloaders during various phases of season. “Limited firearms” include a shotgun, a handgun that is .35-caliber or larger with straight-walled cartridges, a .35-caliber or larger rifle with straight-walled cartridges with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.80 inches, and a .35-caliber or larger air rifle or pistol charged only from an external, high compression power source. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Limit : 1 per tag. Licenses Required : Base License and either Deer License or Deer Combo License. Waterfowl (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, and Geese) When : September 1st - 30th, October 12th - December 8th, December 28th - January 5th, and February 1st - 10th (geese); October 12th - December 8th and December 28th - 29th (ducks, coots, and mergansers). Hunting Equipment : Shotgun. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Limits : Ducks : Daily limit is 6, season-long possession is 18. Coots : Daily limit is 15, season-long possession is 45. Mergansers : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 15. Dark Geese (Canada, brant and white-fronted) : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 15. Light Geese (snow, blue and Ross’s) : Daily limit is 20, season-long possession is 60. Licenses Required : Base License and Waterfowl Hunting License. More information : 2024 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations Summary Turkey When : September 15th - November 14th. Hunting Equipment : Shotgun, crossbow, or compound bow. Where : Private or public lands within Washtenaw and Livingston Counties; only on private land within Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair Counties. Limit : One bearded or beardless turkey per tag. Licenses Required : Base License and Fall Turkey License. More information : 2024 Fall Turkey Hunting Summary Pheasant When : October 20th - November 14th and December 1st - January 1st ( male only ). Hunting Equipment : Shotgun. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 2, season-long possession is 4. Licenses Required : Base License and Pheasant License (required only for hunters 18 years of age and older hunting on public lands). More Information : 2024 Small Game Hunting Guide . Quail When : October 20th - November 14th. Hunting Equipment : Shotgun. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. At Highland Recreation Area , quail may be harvested only by field trial participants in the field trial areas on days with authorized field trials. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 10. Licenses Required : Base License. Ruffed Grouse When : September 15th - November 14th and December 1st - January 1st. Hunting Equipment : Shotgun. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 3, season-long possession is 6. Licenses Required : Base License. Fox and Gray Squirrel When : September 15th - March 31st. Hunting Equipment : Rifle (.22-caliber), limited firearm, compound bow, crossbow, or air gun. Where : Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 10. Licenses Required : Base License. Furbearer (Coyote, Fox, Weasel, Raccoon, Muskrat, Beaver, Skunk, and Opossum) When : July 15th, 2024 - April 15th, 2025 (Coyote), October 1st - March 31st (raccoon); October 15th - March 1st (fox); year-round (opossum, sku nk, beaver, muskrat, an d weasel). Hunting Equipment : Rifle (.22-caliber), limited firearm, compound bow, crossbow, or air gun. Where : Statewide on public and private lands. Bag Limits : No limit. Licenses Required : Base License and Furbearer License. Opossum, skunk, and weasel may be harvested year-round, statewide with a valid Michigan fur harvesting license. Beaver, coyote, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, skunk and weasel can be harvested year-round, using all legal hunting and trapping methods for those species, on private property and without a license when doing or physically present where they could imminently cause damage. More Information : 2024 Furbearer Harvest Summary Small Game (Rabbit, Red and Ground Squirrel, Woodchuck, and Porcupine) When : September 15th - March 31st (rabbit); year-round (red and ground squirrel, woodchuck, and porcupine). Hunting Equipment : Rifle (.22-caliber), limited firearm, compound bow, crossbow, or air gun. Where : Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 10 for rabbit; no limit for red and ground squirrel, woodchuck, opossum, and porcupine. Licenses Required : Base License. Cottontail rabbit, ground squirrel, red squirrel, and woodchuck may be taken year-round on private property without a license when about to cause damage. Small Birds (Crow, Feral Pigeons, Starling, and House Sparrows) When : August 1 - September 30 for crow; year-round for other birds. Hunting Equipment : Shotgun or air gun. Where : Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits : No limit. Licenses Required : Base License. Crows, Starlings, and House Sparrows may be taken by a property owner or designee without a license if doing or about to do damage on private property. Invasive Species: Russian Boar When : Year-round Hunting Equipment : Any lawful firearm, compound bow, or crossbow. Where : Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits : No limit but must be reported to Michigan.gov/FeralSwine or by calling 517-284-4725. You should also report any sightings of Russian Boar. Licenses Required : Base License. Why Hunting Matters for Michigan For some readers, this inclusion of a Michigan hunting article on our platform may have come as a surprise. The truth is, ethical hunting has represented a cornerstone aspect of Expedition Detroit since its inception almost one year ago. Fall's return to the northern hemisphere means the inclusion of more hunting-specific content, which we understand may be jarring to some readers who subscribed after reading one of our popular backpacking or camping articles. If you find yourself in that camp - i.e., someone who is neutral or somewhat against hunting - then allow us a moment to explain why we view ethical hunting as a critical component of Michigan's outdoor recreation ecosystem . Actually, its most important component. To summarize, Southeast Michigan has a serious ecological problem stemming largely from its overpopulation of deer . Car accidents involving deer have risen 6.6% since 2012, making Michigan the second leading state in the U.S. for deer-car accidents. Crop damage on Michigan farms attributable to deer has risen 59.6% since 2014. M ilder winters across the Great Lakes region have allowed more deer to survive and reproduce in the spring and early summer. Bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease are spreading throughout herds within the Lower Peninsula. What exacerbates these problems most for the DNR, however, is that fewer and fewer Michiganders are heading into the woods each year. In the 1990s , led by baby boomers, Michigan had 900,000 deer hunters in the woods. By 2030, the DNR expects about half as many. Beyond the physical detrimental effects of less hunters, the DNR and Michigan's tourism industry has relied on the roughly $2.3 billion in economic impact derived from hunting - a valuable revenue stream that state officials fear will diminish rapidly in the coming years. Yes, unethical and irresponsible hunters absolutely deserve the scorn of today's mainstream outdoor community. That being said, hunting has a valuable ecological, economic, and cultural position in our state's outdoor heritage . Michigan needs hunters more now than ever in its history, and we at Expedition Detroit are proud to advocate for the development and proliferation of ethical, lawful, and science-backed hunting. We hope that you'll join us in the woods this season! GEAR UP FOR THE FALL 2024 HUNTING SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! This cheatsheet is intended only as a high-level and supplemental reference to the Michigan Hunting Summaries . The summaries linked to above include a broad range of very helpful and instructive information, such as legal shooting hours, species-specific limitations (e.g., ducks and other waterfowl), information on lawful stands and baiting practices, and penalties for violations. Any further inquiries regarding applicable rules and regulations should be directed to the Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary or DNR at 517-284-WILD. You can CLICK HERE to purchase any of the requisite licenses listed above. Best of luck this season!

Happy Fall, Detroit! These warmer days coupled with crisper nights mean that the BEST RECREATIONAL SEASON for experiencing Detroit has returned in its full glory. As you start to plan your perfect fall in southeast Michigan's outdoors, here our top 5 outdoor experiences near Detroit for you to enjoy this season! The "Great Debate" is settled: Fall is the best season for outdoor recreation near Detroit. If you're skeptical at our hot take there, well, please hear us out. Fall kicks off by carrying all of summer's "peak season" momentum into September. We're talking open campgrounds, backpacking and canoe camping trips, dry mountain biking and trail running trails, and warm days for amazing kayaking. However, we'd argue that September actually improves on summer recreation by delivering smaller crowds, less bugs, more stars, and crisp "campfire-ready nights." So basically extended summer, but better. October's arrival is where fall truly runs off with Detroit's "best season" title. Beyond hunting's return, October means world-class running competitions, halloween-themed recreational events, harvest festivals, and enjoying generations' worth of fall outdoor traditions. Our stunning parks, trails, and waterways show off their brilliance in autumn's full foliage. While October tends to attract most of the season's outdoor attention, November closes out Fall's recreational calendar with a literal and figurative "Bang!" November 15th is an official-unofficial holiday in Michigan, marking the start of whitetail deer firearm season. Trail running season wraps up with its closing acts, followed closely by a plethora of "Turkey Trot" races. And - if we're lucky - our "Big Four Ski Resorts" may open for business before the winter months kick in. Yeah ...we happily - no, excitedly - rest our case. From kayaking to potentially skiing, the next three months will bless us with the full spectrum of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem. While that may seem overwhelming at first, we've taken the initiative to curate the "Top 5" experiences that we are most looking forward to enjoying this Fall. So let's get into it! Here are Expedition Detroit's "Top 5 Outdoor Experiences near Detroit" for inspiring your fall 2024 adventures. 1. CYCLE FOR CIDER MILLS Destination: Paint Creek Trail | Orion Township, MI When to Experience: All Fall Recommended Adventure: Cycling the Paint Creek Trail to Several Cider Mills Grab your flannel and pump up your tires, we're going cycling for cider mills! The Detroit region is uniquely blessed with two fall recreational staples: a vast trail network lined with spectacular fall colors and postcard-ready apple orchards featuring quintessential cider mills . Hear us out - why not combine a perfect fall bike ride with a stop ( or three ) at a cider mill? If this sounds like your perfect fall weekend, then get ready to gear up and head over to Oakland County's "Paint Creek Trail"! Heading out from the Pure Michigan Trail Town of Orion Township , the 10-mile Paint Creek Trail will guide you past Bald Mountain State Recreation Area and several nature preserves to the Goodison Cider Mill and aptly-named Paint Creek Cider Mill . But wait, there's more cycling and cider ahead of you. Once you're fueled up with ample cider and donuts, keep the fall adventures moving by continuing east on the Clinton River Trail towards Bloomer Park. Once in Bloomer Park, follow the marked biking path towards trail marker #24 , leading towards Yates Park. As you may have guessed, t he famous Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills awaits your arrival . 2. HIKE FOR ULTIMATE FALL COLORS Destination: Pinckney State Recreation Area    |    Pinckney, MI When to Experience: Early-Mid October Recommended Adventure: Hiking the Crooked Lake Trail Last year, the Expedition Detroit team set out on a nearly impossible mission. We challenged ourselves to identify the best trail in the Detroit region for experiencing peak colors . A wonderfully brutal task. Countless hours of research and field testing later, we finally decided on a winner: the " Crooked Lake Trail " at Pinckney State Recreation Area! This 4.4 mile loop trail is a year-round favorite for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers , although it abruptly bursts with colors once October gets going. Beyond the trail's celebrated foliage, its surrounding wildlife actively sharply increases as the temperatures begin to dip. To enjoy the full experience, be sure to book a campsite at the Crooked Lake Rustic Campground . In honor of fall's glorious return, we're excited to launch a MASSIVE increase in our guided day hikes along the Crooked Lake Trail ! Expedition Detroit day hiking trips are perfect for hikers of all experience levels. We only ask that you arrive with a wide-eyed sense of adventure and excitement to discover Metro Detroit's world-class trails - especially the Crooked Lake Trail. RESERVE YOUR ULTIMATE FALL COLORS HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT ! 3. FINISH RACING SEASON STRONG Destination: Detroit Riverfront |   Detroit, MI When to Experience: October 20, 2024 Recommended Adventure: Running the Detroit Free Press Marathon Ladies and gentlemen, lace up those sneakers: primetime racing season in Detroit is BACK! Regardless of whether you're a road or trail runner, fall's return means that our region's preeminent running events are back in the recreational spotlight. The Ann Arbor Marathon kick's off the season on October 13th, followed a week later by the crown jewel of southeast Michigan's outdoor events calendar: the Detroit Free Press Marathon . While either of these marathons will inevitably represent the seasonal finish line after months of grueling training, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention a few other key fall races: Crooked Lakes Trail Run | October 13th | Independence Oaks Park, Clarkston, MI * Wicked Halloween Run | October 27th | Maybury State Park, Northville, MI Bonfyre Trail Fest  | November 2nd | Waterloo State Recreation Area, Chelsea, MI Detroit Turkey Trot  | November 28th | Downtown Detroit, MI Milford Gobbler Gallop  | November 30th | Downtown Milford, MI * * Expedition Detroit+ subscribers save 20% on these races! TRAIN FOR RACING SEASON YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT ! 4. EMBRACE SPOOKY SEASON ON A HAUNTED HIKE Destination: Belle lsle Park | Detroit, MI When to Experience: All October Recommended Adventure: Hiking Belle Isle's Lighthouse and Blue Heron Loops Detroit remains undefeated as one of America's top destinations for Halloween-themed activities. From haunted hayrides to paranormal tours, the annual Monster's Ball, and a season's worth of Halloween 5Ks, experiencing "Spooky Season" in and around Detroit is a bucket list-worthy adventure. Last year, team Expedition Detroit embraced Halloween in our outdoors by researching the best " Haunted Hiking " destinations throughout our region. Lo and behold, one of our most popular guided day trips - Belle Isle's " Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Loops " - prominently features two such macabre destinations! In honor of Spooky Season's return, we will also be increasing our guided day trip offerings not only to Belle Isle Park, but also Highland Recreation Area's "Haven Hill Loop." The Haven Hill Loop features a special, Expedition Detroit -exclusive encounter with the ruins of the Ford Family's hilltop "wilderness estate." Do paranormal spirits still haunt the islands of the Detroit River or forest surrounding Haven Hill? There's only one way to find out... if you dare! EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK THIS SPOOKY SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 5. GO ON THE HUNT FOR CONSERVATION Destination: Highland State Recreation Area | Highland, Michigan When to Experience: October through November Recommended Adventure: Whitetail Deer Hunting in Michigan State Recreation Areas If you're looking forward to the full menu of incredible outdoor experiences coming down the recreational pipeline this fall, then we have one small ask of you: please buy a Base License from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Why? The sale of hunting and fishing licenses remains a core fiscal component of several interwoven business models. From supercharging the Michigan DNR's financial capacity to supporting thousands of small businesses, the long-term viability of hunting remains a vital economic interest. If you are already planning on getting out in the woods and enjoying one of several hunting seasons that kick off this fall, then you are obviously planning on purchasing at least a Base License and actively supporting the Michigan DNR's conservation efforts. But even if hunting is not your main cup of tea for getting outside this autumn, we still encourage you to passively support conservation by purchasing a Base License. Best $11.00 you'll ever spend. Ethical hunting is essential for the longevity of Detroit's recreational ecosystem. There's no way to sugar coat it, and we at Expedition Detroit are proud to support the Michigan DNR and Michigan Wildlife Council in their ambitions to expand hunter and angler education and engagement. For more information on the upcoming the Fall 2024 Hunting Season, check out Expedition Detroit's 2024 Fall Hunting Cheatsheet . GEAR UP FOR HUNTING SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT ! Expedition Detroit 's " LABOR DAY DEALS " are still LIVE through the end of September! The deals include 20% OFF of all EXPEDITION DETROIT STORE PRODUCTS and 30% OFF of all GUIDED DAY HIKING TRIPS booked before September 30th! What are your recreation plans for this fall? Are there any destinations or top outdoor experiences near Detroit that we should highlight for the Expedition Detroit community? Let us know in the comments!